Thursday, November 26, 2020

... About Giving Thanks

    

 

I was asked to share my testimony at my church Faith Alive on November 22, 2020.  Below is a written copy.  To listen on Facebook Click Here - This is the Contemporary Service. My testimony starts at 24:60.

My Testimony:

With Thanksgiving Day just a few days away, I been thinking it’s easy to give thanks in the best of times; but what about in the worst of times?  I will never forget three statements that were made during some of the worst times of my life.

1.     “Lela, I am so sorry.  We did ever thing we could.  Your baby is dead.”

2.     “Lela, you need surgery.  Without it you will die a slow horrible death.”

3.     “Wilbur, there is nothing more we can do.  Eventually, you will lose your sight.”

50 years ago, I left the hospital with empty arms and a broken heart.  My dreams of being a mom had been shattered.  Wilbur’s and my baby girl whom we named Jessica had been still born.  For three years I struggled with our loss and questioned if God was a God of love, why had this happened to me?  I had a hard time believing He loved me.

When I was told that I needed surgery, I was at death’s door.  Knowing there was the possibility I might not make it, I was very apprehensive.  I was in so much pain I was unable to pray; but others were praying for me.  On my way to the OR, God gave me peace and I knew no matter what happened everything would be OK.

In October of 2003, I found myself in the hospital with the same pain I had experienced in 1995 when I had my surgery.   It was over the anniversary of when I had lost Jessica.  I was in the same hospital, on the same floor and just a few rooms from the room where I had experience such heartbreak.  My thoughts turned to Jessica and I wept.  

In January 2004 Wilbur experienced a detached retina in his right eye and had to have surgery.  He had already lost his sight in his left eye. It was during follow-up visits that he told he will eventfully lose his sight.

In Romans 8:28 we read, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  So what has been the good from what I have gone though? 

Three years after the loss of Jessica, God whispered to my spirit. He said, “Lela, I love you.  If you were the only person living, I would have still sent my son to die for you.  I had my reasons for taking Jessica.  You must give her to me.”  From deep within my heart I relied, “OK, God. I give her to you.”  A deep peace came over me and nine months later, exactly nine months later, my daughter Melissa was born. Twenty-two months later, Amy was born. Recently Melissa asked me, “Mom, would you have had me if Jessica had lived?  She told me she is so glad I had her.  She loves her life and her family. Once when Wilbur was in the hospital, I met one of his caregivers.  I learned she had been my hospital roommate when I had loss Jessica.  I had the joy of sharing with her the Good News of Jesus Christ and how God had blessed me with my daughters and granddaughters


While I was in the hospital in October of 2003, as I wept thinking about Jessica, God showed me a vision.  Jesus was facing me, His arms open wide.  I ran to Him and He wrapped His arms around me.  I felt such love and I knew that He loved me. God was preparing me for the days ahead as Wilbur dealt with his vision loss.  To help him, I took him for car rides and took photos of awesome scenery.  I have made hundreds of cards from those photos. What a joy it is to give those cards to others.  Here is a copy of one of those cards original size 2x3.5. (below) Little did I know when I started making the cards that during a pandemic the encouragement they would bring to others.  My surgeon summed it up when I gave her a copy of this card, “Thank you.  This is what we truly need.”  I wonder if I would have started making my cards if Wilbur hadn’t experienced the deterioration of his sight.   


“Yes, I have learned to thank God in the worst of times.   He was with me thought all of them and has given me great joy!



Saturday, November 7, 2020

... About Discouragement

Photo taken by Lela Hartranft

The other day I became discouraged.  While I was paying some bills I noticed that someone had committed fraud in my name maxing out one of my credit cards.  I spend hours trying to work through all the issues that were created by the perpetrator’s act. I was annoyed that I had to deal with the incident and was using up time when I could have been doing something else.

I believe Satan wants us to get discouraged. He certainly doesn’t want us to be doing what God wants us to do. Consider this - In my post …about Encouraging Thoughts for Today – Trusting God I wrote that I make little cards from photos I have taken and give them to people I encounter when I am out-and-about.  Here is what happened the other day - One of the local stores I shop at from time to time gives out coupons for $5 off for purchases totally $25 or more when purchased on a certain day.  So I decided to take advantage and went to the store on the designated day.  I handed the clerk the coupon before he began ringing up the items.  When I arrived home and checked my receipt I noticed the $5 had not been deducted from the total cost of the items. Later in the day I returned to the store and waited in line to see the cashier. A gentleman ahead of me noticed the mask I was wearing and he commented about it.  I told him I had taken the photo and made the mask.  I told him I also made lots of little cards from photos I take.  I took one out of my purse and handed it to him.  He thanked me, read it, and put it in his pocket.  But then I noticed as he waited while the clerk was ringing up his items he had taken the card out of his pocket and was reading it again.  I could have gotten annoyed and discouraged about having to go back to the store to get the $5 discount or not even gone back to the store.  Instead a gentleman had been encouraged by a little act of kindness.  What if I would have gotten my $5 discount earlier in the day or what if I had not made my mask?
copy of mask made by Lela Hartranft

Now two more people have been added to my prayer list, the perpetrator and the gentleman in the store. I pray that somehow they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Of course Satan does not want me giving out my cards and praying for other.   I overcame my discouragement and my heart is filled will joy!  Have you been discouraged lately? Consider the words (especially "We should never be discouraged") of the hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus (below.)
copy of card given to the gentleman in the store

What a Friend We Have in Jesus 

by Joseph M. Scriven






All photos taken by Lela Hartranft

 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

…about Encouraging Thoughts for Today – Trusting God

With the Presidential Election only days away, it has become apparent that people are fearful, worried and concerned about the future.  The Bible is clear as to how we should live and how we should face the future. In the days and weeks ahead, I will be sharing Scriptures and words of hymns and songs regarding HOPE, WORRY, FEAR, TROUBLES, NEEDS, etc. to encourage you as we live during these uncertain times.

I make little cards from photos I have taken and give them to people I encounter when I am out-and-about. Recently I gave my surgeon and her assistant a copy of the card shown below. Their eyes lit up and with much gratitude my surgeon said, “This is what we need.  Thank you so much.” 

We need to trust God.  Here are some verses about trusting God. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him (Psalm 37:5 NIV.) Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord (Psalm 40:4 NIV.) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4 NIV.) Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25 NIV.) God will take care us.   Below are the words to the hymn Day by Day and the Bible verses Proverbs 3:5-6.  Be encouraged!



Tuesday, June 9, 2020

… About the best part of my return trip to Grand Cayman


Knowing my pastor enjoys going to the beach and swimming in the ocean, I was not surprised when he said he would have liked to have been “packed into our luggage” when Wilbur, Melissa and I went to Grand Cayman.

As much as I like the beach and ocean there were four things I wanted to do that were a top priory
for me.  I wanted to reconnect with Lena’s and my nanny, Rachel, go to the church property where we had lived and attended church where my parents had been missionaries, see my childhood friend, and go to North Side.  A member of the church had started a church in North Side and I wanted to see it.

I had so much to do before our trip that I didn’t have much time to think about the trip or get excited about it before hand.  When the plane landed on the island, it was like coming home.  I was thrilled to have finally gotten back.   I was two years old when I had first arrived there.  So there is where my memories began.  We left when I was six.  It had been a very happy time for me.

We spend most of Saturday sightseeing.  We drove from one end of the island to the other end.  We
A stop along the Caribbean Sea
included a stop in North Side but we didn’t find the church.  We walked on isolated beaches and looked for seashells.  We enjoyed watching the sunsets. Saturday night we meet Rachel and she and one of her friends took us to an awesome restaurant by the sea.  What a joy it was to have been able to see her again and to give her a hug.  We had a wonderful time reminiscing.  Rachel no longer drives; so her friend took us on a tour of George Town.  She showed us the hospital where I had spend time when I had diphtheria and when I had played in a patch of maiden plum and my eyes had swelled shut.  All too soon our time with Rachel and her friend ended.

But the most awesome experience of all was going to church on Sunday morning.  My life-long dream had come true.  The buildings are different than when our family had lived there.  As much as I like walking on the beach, walking down the aisle of the church
Rachel and Lela inside the church
was much more wonderful than the walks we had taken on the beach.  As much as I like the sound of the of the sea waves hitting the shore, I enjoyed hearing the choir and congregational singing so much more.  As much as I like watching the sun set over the water, observing the worshippers praising God and communing with Him meant so much more to me.  During the service the pastor introduced Wilbur, Melissa and I to the congregation, telling them that I was Rev. and Mrs. Marion Walker’s daughter.  He asked how many people still remembered my parents.  I was amazed when almost half of the people raised their hands. After the service we chatted with a lot of those people.  One lady said she had been my sister, Elda’s best friend.  Elda was 10 when we had left the island.  One gentleman told me he had gone to school with my brother, Lee who was 12 when we moved.  Now 60 years later, they were still part of the church.  They had remained faithful to God all these years. How incredible it is that they, their children and grandchildren make up the church. I had one disappointment.  I did not get to see my childhood friend due to a funeral in her family.

The pastor then gave me a tour of the church property. The church the congregation is now using for
The church on Grand Cayman
worship is the fourth that has been built due to destruction caused by hurricanes.  How resilient are God’s children!  As I stood outside the church, I thought the property had been much larger than I was now seeing it.  I decided that was because I had been small when we had lived there and everything was larger than life.  But then we walked behind the church.  What I saw took my breath away. Ah yes, the property was as large as I had remembered.  However, a Christian Academy for grades 1 to 12 occupies the yard where my siblings and I had played. There was even an apartment building for members of the staff.

On February 12, I led Prayer Meeting at my church.  For my text I had chosen the Scripture, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”  (Matthew 25:40; Romans 12:6-8 NIV)

As I presented my message I could not help but think about the trip I had just taken and about the time my family had lived on Grand Cayman. I thought about my parents serving as missionaries
Walker family on Grand Cayman
back - Rev. Marion and Elda Walker
front - Lela, Lee, Elda, Lena
there. I talked about the different gifts St. Paul had listed. For prophesying I discussed the verses, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’” (Romans 10:14-16) “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Tim. 4:2 NIV)  And that’s what my daddy had done on the island.  He had preached and he loved to preach! The pastor of the church on Grand Cayman had the same passion and enthusiasm that my daddy had when he preached.  Melissa remarked had much alike the pastor and her grandfather were. How cool is that?

For Serving I had chosen these Scriptures: “Serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV) “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.” (Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”’ (Rom.12:1 NIV)

I realized that my parents had truly made a sacrifice to go to an obscure island (only 21 miles long and 7 miles wide) to proclaim the gospel to a group of people who needed to know God loved them.  My parents were away from everything that was familiar to them.  There was no electricity (other than some lights we were able to have from a portable generator) no hot running water, no indoor bathroom, no air conditioning, etc., and no phone to call home!  We lived in West Bay, where the seven mile beach starts.  Our home was less than a block from the sea.  My daddy went swimming almost every day to cool off!

On our flight home, we were first to board the plane due to Wilbur’s limited eye sight.  The pilot was still in the cabin when we entered.  I told him a bit about our visit.  I will never forget the four words he said to me when I concluded telling him about all the people in the church who remembered our family - “Wonderful people are remember.”  My daddy had preached well and my parents had served well. Little did I know when I had chosen the Scriptures for the lesson for February 12th, how our trip to Grand Cayman would bring those verses in perspective regarding the time our family had lived there. I know my daddy has received his reward and it won’t be much longer until my mother joins him in heaven and she receives her reward.  I am grateful to the pastors who came after our family left the island and had ministered to all the wonderful people (I had remembered many of them) attending the church.  Their service to our wonderful Lord and Savior will be rewarded.

Our trip to Grand Cayman was way beyond anything I could have imagined.  Walking on the beach, wading in the sea, hearing the waves, and watching the sunsets had been amazing; but being with the people of the church was absolutely incredible.  God’s church made up of people who love Him is thriving on the island of Grand Cayman! I am so grateful I got to go back to my childhood home.  My heart just overflows with joy!   I look forward to seeing all of them including my childhood friend in heaven!  “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and [Christ] will give you life as your victor’s crown…The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (Revelation 8:10-11 NIV)




Wednesday, April 1, 2020

…about Encouraging Thoughts for Today – 002


I am writing this on Wednesday April 1st.   Under normal conditions, I would have gone to Prayer Meeting at my church this evening.  Instead I spend some time in prayer, spent time with my husband and called my mother who is alone most of the time.   I pass along prayer requests to my mother especially for people she knows and ask her to pray for them.  For those of us who are following the stay-at-home policies, it’s very easy to get bored and wonder what we can do.  I encourage you to pray for others. We read in the scriptures, “Pray for each other... The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 NIV)  There are certainly a lot of people who could use our prayers, those on the front lines who are aiding the sick, those who are providing services for others, those who have gotten sick, those whose loved ones are sick, those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost their jobs or their business, those who are alone and cannot have visitors and those who cannot visit loved ones. We can pray for our family members, our church family, our friends and our neighbors. We can prayer for our leaders in government and for the leaders in our churches. The hymn When you Pray (words below, I was unable to determine the author) encourages us to pray for each other.

At the close of the day, when you kneel to pray Will you remember me?
I need help every day, this is why I pray Will you remember me? 
When you pray, will you pray for me For I need His love and His care 
When you pray, will you pray for me Will you whisper my name in your prayer?

At the close of the day, when I kneel to pray I will remember you 
You need help every day, this is why I pray And I will remember you 
When I pray, I will pray for you For you need His love and His care 
When I pray, I will pray for you I will whisper your name in my prayer

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

… About Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 2


A lot of preparation had to be completed for our trip.  We had to pack items we would need.  I did research on the internet to discover what we were allowed and not allowed to take.  if we took anything along that we were not allowed to take, we would have to get rid of it. There were size limits of liquid items.  We knew there were stores on the island; so if we needed something we had not packed, we would be able to purchase whatever it might be. We would not be checking our luggage; but would be taking them on the plane with us.  So we were limited to the size of our luggage.  Therefore we were limited as to how much stuff we could take with us.  Top priority was our medications, next some clothes for warm weather and the clothes we would wear when we attended Worship Service on Sunday.  We also needed personal hygiene items.  I wanted to take some snacks to eat on the plane, some books to read, a notebook and pen, my phone and my camera. Finally, I wanted to take my computer; but I ended up leaving it behind.  I made a list of what we would be taking and checked it more than twice to make sure nothing would be left behind.  What a relief it was when our luggage and all our items passed inspection.  We had what we needed and we were allowed to take everything we had packed onto the plane. 

As I thought about our trip to Grand Cayman and returning to my childhood home, I thought 
about another trip all of us are taking, our trip to our final home, heaven.  Just as I learned what I would be allowed or not allowed to take on my trip to the island on the website, we can learn what we need and what is not allowed on our trip to heaven in God’s Word, the Bible.  We read in the Scriptures what clothes we should have – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)  Certainly during these trying times with the coronavirus, we should be thinking about ways of showing “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  

Consider the words of the following song:
Try a Little Kindness  by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin 

If you see your brother standing by the road 
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way 
Just stop and say "You're going the wrong way"

Chorus:
You got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness 
Just shine your light for everyone to see 
And if you try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness 
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded street

Don't walk around the down and out  Lend a helping hand insead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day  Will help someone along their way
********

We also read in the Scriptures about things we should get rid of as we make our journey to heaven. “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:8-9 NIV)  Reflect on the words of the following hymn: 

Take My Life by Frances R. Havergal,

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. 
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

...About Encouraging Thoughts for Today - 001


You may remember the AT&T slogan, “Reach out and touch someone.”  I’d like to change it to “Reach out and touch Someone, Jesus.”   During these times of “social distancing,” we are being encouraged to stay 6’ from each other, don’t shake anyone’s hand and certainly don’t hug anyone.  I miss that.  I miss going to my church, I miss seeing my mother, my family members including my granddaughters, and my friends.  I am so grateful for modern technology.  I have been calling my mother every night on the telephone to make sure she is doing OK.  My husband, Wilbur celebrated his birthday on March 27th.  Since we have been instructed to stay at home we were able to setup a video chat with our daughter, Melissa and her family.  I lit candles on a cake for Wilbur and we sang “Happy Birthday.” Just before midnight we had a long conversation with our daughter, Amy on the telephone. She was able to wish her dad a “Happy Birthday.”   Although we were happy to see and hear each other it just was not the same as if we were together in person.  

Social distancing has been going on for quite some time.  In Biblical times, leprosy was common.  Anyone who had it had to go around saying, “Unclean, unclean!”  They too were isolated from family and loved ones.  Ah, but then Jesus came.  He did NOT practice Social Distancing!  He reached out and touched others, bringing hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness to everyone.  Here are some words of the song, When Jesus Comes: 
            When Jesus Comes by Oswald Jeffrey Smith
Verse 3:  “Unclean! unclean!” the leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in  helplessness stood near; The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear. 
Chorus:  When Jesus comes the tempter’s pow’r is broken; When Jesus comes the  tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay. 
We could replace the word “tears” with “fears” for Jesus can certainly wipe away our fears. Today, centuries after He walked this earth, we can reach out to Him.  He cares about us and He knows what we are going through. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV.} "Don't you see He did all this for you!" He offers us hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness! Be encouraged by these words: 
Photos taken by Lela

Reach Out to Jesus by Ralph Carmichael 
Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone 
Does the road you travel harbour danger yet unknown 
Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all
Jesus will help you when on His name you call

Chorus: He is always there, hearing every prayer, faithful and true Walking by our side, in His love we hide all the day through  When you get discouraged, just remember what to do  Reach out to Jesus, He's reaching out to you

Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and despair
Does the future press you with its worry and its care
Are you tired and friendless, have you almost lost your way Jesus will help you, just come to Him today

Friday, February 28, 2020

...About Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 1


A lot of preparation had to be completed for our trip.  Other than a couple of trips into Canada, Wilbur and I had not been out of the USA; so we had to apply for our passports. When we applied for them, we had to provide the original copies of our birth certificates.  As we turned them in, we were promised they would be mailed back to us.  When we got them back in the mail I texted the following to Melissa, “God and I got our birth certificates back today that they kept for doing our passports.”  After I send the message, I saw my mistake and sent Melissa the following, “ Opps Not God but Dad and I... What a typo!”

Melissa replied back, “I was thinking I know you have a close relationship with God but didn’t realize he was physically joining us! ....or that he’d need a passport if he was From the government..."

As I thought about Melissa’s comments, I could not help but think about God’s promises. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV) As a gift for my birthday, a dear friend of mine gave me a copy of that verse (see pic below)   How awesome to know that God is always with us. He would be with us on our trip.  He did not need a passport!

I thought about all the times I have prayed to God and called out to Him, knowing that I serve a living God who hears and answers my prayers.  God has been with us and seen us through the good times as well as very difficult times. 

God blessed us with the birth of our daughters, Melissa and Amy. We had the joy of watching them become lovely young ladies.  And now we are getting to see our granddaughters do the same! Wilbur almost died when he was found with poisonous gas pouring into his face at one of his jobs and I was at death’s door when I needed emergency surgery over twenty-five years ago. “May the Lord bless you from Zion;... May you live to see your children’s children.” (Psalm 128:5-6 NIV)  We are truly blessed!  God protected us from serious injuries although we had many close calls as we traveled thousands and thousands of miles over the highways.  Once on his way to work, Wilbur was in a serious car accident. One evening on my way home from work, lighting stuck a tree that fell and hit my car.

Having a love of God’s great outdoors we have had awesome camping and hiking trips. We made day trips to state parks having picnics for our meals.  Surrounded by plenty of trees, we had the pleasure of numerous campfires and hotdog roasts on our property with family and friends.  We liked many visits to the shore, swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, and collecting seashells.

For many years Wilbur worked with the teens at church and I the children.  Together Wilbur and I did drama and puppet skits.  Wilbur also did chalk drawings. Most significant for me was becoming a Certified Lay Minister.  Daddy loved to preach and now I am getting to do the same as I have filled in for many pastors either on vacation or medical or family leave.

God saw us through difficult circumstances - I have cried myself to sleep countless times. The loss of our first daughter, Jessica who was stillborn was so devastating. We also experienced the loss of many family members, Wilbur’s parents, my father, my grandparents, all my uncles and aunts, our brother-in-law (my twin sister’s first husband) and many friends.  We truly miss them and look forward to the day when we will walk with them on streets of gold.  God promised, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 MEV) I truly believe that!  Wilbur went though several surgeries, on his back, neck and eyes and most recently on his diaphragm. Losing the sight in his right eye and having very limited sight in his left eye has been very daunting.  It was extremely hard for Wilbur to give up driving a car and to depend on me.  He loved to work with his hands. His hobbies included art work and making wooden and leather projects.  Having been an auto mechanic and maintenance man Wilbur has taught me how to do repairs on cars, changing break lining and rotors, serpentine belts, master cylinders, spark plugs, etc. splice electrical wire, change parts on our furnace, hang kitchen cabinets (I one from our kitchen to the bedroom all by myself!), hookup the washer, dryer and electric stove, install windows, cut and nail molding, etc.  I know how to use way too many of his tools!


As I have struggled to understand why we go through difficult situations, I turn to the Scriptures. They are clear in telling us that we will go through testing and trials. This side of heaven we may never understand why. But I keep looking to Jesus who provides us with sustaining grace!



Friday, February 14, 2020

... About Our 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration


Wilbur and Lela - June 2019
Wilbur and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on July 9th of last year.  We enjoyed an overnight trip to Maryland and a lovely meal at a nice restaurant.  We did a lot of reminiscing and remembered a lot of good things that had happened.  God has been with us and
seen us though the good times as well as very difficult times.


Our daughter, Melissa wanted to do something special for us at the time; however due to the health issues Wilbur was having back then plans had to be postponed.  Eventually plans were finalized.  My life-long dream of returning to Grand Cayman would become a reality.  Melissa, Wilbur and I flew to my childhood home over the weekend of February 7, 2020.

Lela and Lena - on Grand Cayman
What an awesome privilege it was to return to the island and the first home that I remembered.  First on my to-do list was reconnecting with Rachel, my twin, Lena's and my nanny. Second was to worship in the church on the property where my daddy had preached.  Most important to me was interacting with the wonderful people who attend the church.


Years ago one of my former co-workers had vacationed on the island.  When I showed him some pictures of the island when my family had lived there, he told me that I would not want to go back, that the island had changed a lot.  He was wrong!  I did want to go back.  When the plane landed, tears of joy filled my eyes.  I was coming home!  When I saw Rachel and all the people in the church, my heart was filled with joy.  I was overwhelmed.  My visit to Cayman was far beyond what I had imagined. My heart is full of gratitude to Melissa and her husband, John for making the trip possible for Wilbur and me.

Over the next few weeks I will be writing about my trip. I invite you to embark with me on my trip of a life time as I share my thoughts and experiences.  Look for posts entitled “Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 1”, “Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 2”, etc.