Reflecting on 2007 & my prayer for 2008...

As I reflect on the past year it would be easy to feel overwhelmed with sadness. In fact, 2007 was a year of pain for me and my family. The loss of my sister and best friend last April 12th brought things to surface in my heart that I never knew were there. I am only beginning to learn that the heating in life's crucible does that though. Wow, the depth of my humanity (that I was truly fashioned from dust) has become so real to me in my walk through Psalm 23rd's Valley of the Shadow of Death.

I am grateful for my circle of precious ones (you know who you are) who have patiently loved me through my stages of grief...praying for me, sending cards and personal notes, calling to check on me, hugging me, letting cry on your shoulder, lending an ear for me to vent as I have sometimes blubbered and even cussed through sobbing tears in expressing my dismay of seemingly uncontrolled circumstance. Thank you for being there...please know that I am truly indebted to each of you...you are true treasures in my life!

Most of all, Jesus has remained my closest companion through this tough time. My tremendous need for Christ to be alive in my everyday, within the caverns of my heart and a light in the dark crevices of my mind. He's been faithful even though my sins have been many. Boldly, yet in humble thanks, I say that I think I will not fully understand the depth of His mercy to me. Maybe in Glory when I meet Him and fathom that Hell is real and by the power of faith on Christ's shed blood my sins were washed away and my redemption becomes reality in eternity!

As we look forward to 2008, none of know what the coming year will bring. However, there is hope in our Lord Jesus Christ because He holds it all in His nail pierced hands and His grace is sufficient for whatever will come. My prayer is that you will grow in your faith, endeavor to praise and trust Him each and everyday, in each and every circumstance and in the trials of life be encouraged by others like I have been.

Finally, as a New Year's Eve blessing to you...Building 429 sings this song, so dear to my heart. It is an adaptation of an old hymn, "Grace That Is Greater". This You Tube time-lapsed video, of some picturesque places God fashioned, is well-worth savoring as you listen.

My prayer for you is that...
You have a Happy and Blessed 2008...
As your walk with the Lord becomes great!

Love ya all,
In Christ,
Ter

Kids' Christmas Collage

It amazes me that God has blessed me with four awesome children...in my humble opinion...very amazing models for my photo hobby to say the very least!

Merry Christmas

I recently ran across identical greeting cards which two of my three sisters sent to me a few Christmas seasons back. The message meant a lot to me as my one sister has now spent her first of all her Christmases in the presence of Jesus. I just felt like I should share the beauty and truth in the words of this card. The newly added pic at the top of my blog is one I recently took of sunset behind the Chapel at Willow Valley Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

SOMETHING IN THE FLURRY
OF THE SEASON
MAY WE FIND
TIME TO DREAM
ABOUT THAT BLESSED HOLY NIGHT
THAT CHANGED THE WORLD...

TIME TO WONDER
ABOUT THE AWESOMENESS
OF THE DAY HE COMES AGAIN...

TIME TO REMEMBER
THE TRUTHS HE TAUGHT
AND EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE FOR US...

TIME TO GIVE THANKS WITH ALL OUR HEARTS
THAT GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.

WISHING YOU
THE GIFT OF
TIME
TO SHARE WITH HIM
AT CHRISTMAS
AND ALL THROUGH
A BLESSED NEW YEAR.

(Author Unknown but published by THE WORD in the USA)

Amazing Piece - Amazing Peace

Here's a beautiful music video I just have to share. On a recent telecast there was a tribute to Dr. Billy Graham's life-long mate, Ruth Graham. This song by Fernando Ortega is an amazing piece proclaiming the amazing peace in finding wholeness in Jesus Christ. So Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy the video "Give Me Jesus".

Busy, busy me

Anyone who has been wondering what has happened to me lately. No, I have not fallen off the edge of the Earth. It is just a real busy time of year for our family. The kids are in classes elsewhere two days a week (besides homeschool) and hubby has been on the fast track too...with his business and pastoral duties. I have passionately pursuing my photography...doing shoots both out in the field (sometimes literally) and in the college studio.

To my friends and avid readers I just have had little time to email, much less write here in my blog. I hope to soon post more photos but for now here is a taste...

An Evening With Joel Osteen...

Tonight I enjoyed "AN EVENING WITH JOEL OSTEEN" at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. It was truly an awesome time of fellowship. The half hour tv show messages (you may or may not have seen) pale in comparison to the two and one-half hours that was such a personal "real time" blessing for all in attendance. Most importantly just to have the privledge to witness people responding to the gospel message as presented by Joel Osteen was moving.

He is obviously well-liked as he's pastoring what has become the largest church in the United States; I say he's a real firecracker! He has many critics both inside and outside of Christian circles. I have always been encouraged by his words and tonight I say without reservation, in my opinion, his ministry of encouragement is a vital part of the body of Christ!!! He spear-heads a very God-glorifying event.

Photography is a passion of mine and I took a ton of pics I must say! The multi-media backdrop with its lights, still photographs, graphics and video clips aestheically complimented the program's musicians, singers and speakers. Paul Osteen (Joel's brother) shared how God had him leave his medical practice and come to serve at Lakewood where he preaches for the midweek service. Dodie Osteen(Joel's Mama)testified of the Lord's healing power in her life as she was told she was dying with liver cancer...that was 20-some years ago! Victoria (Joel's wife)spoke to all the married folks about blessing one's spouse daily with both encouraging words and deeds. Johnathan (Joel & Victoria's teenage son) quoted a verse from Philippians.

Cindy Cruse Ratcliff and the worship team did a wonderful job on the popular, "I am a friend of God" (listen here for a Youtube clip from some previous event)...

Their contemporary rendition of the old classic "It Is Well With My Soul" was fabulous. That hymn coupled with other worship tunes REALLY touched my heart. In fact on my way home tonight I put in the CD I bought a few days back...I was excited to hear Lakewood team sing a unique eleven minute version of my personal favorite hymn!

You owe it to your spiritual man to buy the CD...
the words (minus Joel's prayer/recitation words that are in the middle)
are as follows!

When peace like a river attendth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well
It is well with my soul

It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul....

It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul....

SOUL! OH!

Oh Lord you searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail you
I know you love me
Your Holy presence (Your Holy presence)
Surrounding me (Surrounding me)
In every season (In every season)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me( i know you love me)

At the cross I bow my knees
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater Love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

Nothing can separate me from your love, Lord

You go before me Lord (You go before me)
You shield my way (Ya shield my way)
Your mighty hand upholds me Lord(Your hand upholds Me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me

At the cross Lord...
At the cross I bow my knees
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

You tore the veil
You made a way when you said that it is done!
You tore the veil
You made a way when you said that it is done!

(Joel's prayer/recitation)

You tore the veil
You made a way
When you said that it is done

You tore the veil
You made a way
When you said that it is done
When you said that it is done

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever
Author of Salvation
He rules and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see -yeh
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King

My Jesus
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen king

My Jesus
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen king

Jesus

Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen King

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever and ever

Jesus conquered the grave
Author of salvation
He rules and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave....

HE'S A MIGHTY SAVIOUR TODAY

In addition, Joel started his alotted sermon time with a few customary jokes. But he shared on a serious level how the Lord brought him to the point of first preaching, with the prodding of his father. That very week his Dad passed on to glory! His testimony is one worth hearing. He delivered his message based on Romans 3:13;challenging us to think about what negative message(s) we are regularly playing in our minds! It spoke to me very personally and to my friends who sat beside me.

Lastly, Joel and Victoria's daughter, Alexandra, sang the invitation selection, "Come just as you are". Joel invited anyone who wanted to receive or renew their commitment to Jesus to unashamedly stand up. The sight of seeing and hearing thousands come to Christ for personal salvation is something that still moves me. I am thankful for ministers who bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the wayward soul. I heard the gospel presented in simplistic terms and responded, prayed the sinner's prayer and my life has never been the same since. This evening with Joel Osteen brought back memories of my own spiritual milestone over 22 years ago.

You gotta love...

Here is a recent photo I took of Greta's sons in the studio at college. This candid shot cost me a steep $20 because Josh hates getting his picture taken. Yes, Aunt Terri had to resort to bribery but it was well worth it! On the other hand, little Kyle is a real ham and modeled more than an hour with out complaining. I know Aunt Candy, Aunt April and Mom Mom Margaret will smile real big when they see this one!

That was Greta...

She was thrilled to have finally met someone she felt she could share her life dreams. Some had doubts about her choice but she knew what she wanted...more importantly what God had ordained for her life...that was Greta!

As the big day approached, she and Mom worked tirelessly even on a limited budget to bring her fairy tale wedding to life. She cherished her gown and said it made her feel just like a princess. The headpiece she made was so pretty. Even though she was always ready to crack a joke about her weight issue...that day...her jokes and all...she was more than beautiful from the inside out...that was Greta!

It had been a stressful week leading up to the wedding day. With brushes with the local law enforcement let's just say "not all of the soon-to-be-step-kids" had a clue how important this day was to her or their family. She took those kids on as if they had in fact been carried by her in her own womb. She really loved them and although she never once tried to replace their birth mother...she extended amazing love and more grace than many natural mothers do...that was Greta.


October 11, 2003...one last limo negotiated that long country lane off Bay Road. It delivered us to the historic North Bend Church. She walked down that aisle beaming and we all witnessed as she pledged her life and faithfulness to a man who was blessed to have met her acquaitance...for what was and would be for the one and only time in her short lifetime. It was a good thing because God knew the bigger plan. She trusted God through prayer to work out everything...that was Greta!

She enjoyed a dance with her new hubby in the Senator's pavillion. They shared wedding cake with a many on lookers and posed for the huge family portrait under a canopy of fall foliage...the beauty of this time of year was one of her favorite times of year...that was Greta!

She had humor that kept us all in stitches...I will never forget her wedding day for the one time I was blessed to be a Matron of Honor. I was happy to stand up for...as during the toast I rendered...she could make me laugh and cry at the very same time...that was Greta!

The sunset that evening was one of the most beautiful I recall in my many years of living in the sticks. Greta recognized that God painted that end of day personally for them...that was Greta!

As she entrusted little Kyle to me and she prepared to go off and enjoy her wedding night. She kissed and hugged that little guy tightly and Josh too. She was an affectionate Mom...that was Greta!

Days later she commented about life in a blended family. At times she felt as though "the appliance" was stuck on liquefy. I am sure she had all the same challenges of a first time family and then some. But she had more perserverence than Webster could define...that was Greta!

Many months later as her health deteriorated and the physical pain increased...she viewed her wedding day pics and remarked about how happy a day that was. She always was a "glass half full" kind if chick...that was Greta!

I am thinking about tomorrow being the sixth month marker of her home going...I cannot begin to fathom what it must be like to reunite with loved ones who had gone on before; much more so...how awesome to meet the Lord and thank Him for His love, grace, mercy and amazing intercession...that IS Greta!

Stop!

Yesterday morning I wanted to sleep-in in the worst kind of way because I had been at friend's house until after 3AM. We were reminiscing and printing some photos contact sheets from a wedding she had helped me shoot a almost two weeks ago today.
However, JB woke with his usual 6 year old vigor and was prodding me to rouse but I kindly sent him back to his bed explaining that Mommy had a late night and needed her sleep...we had some time before our home school day "had" to officially begin. I instructed him to be quiet so he would not wake his little sister.

As I drifted back to sleepy town in no time I could hear what I was sure to be him rifling through his big Little Tykes toy box. The clanking and plastic sounds are way too familiar in my world of four kids. It seemed especially loud yesterday morning and I tried to maintain self control for a bit but too soon did yell...
"Please stop that!
It seemed to stop for all of 30 seconds and then I hear what seemed like a rattlesnake or morocco type of sound...like maybe JB was having a "musical moment" which he tends to do in the mornings.

I am not a talented musician but I did not miss a beat myself. I yelled again, reintegrating...
"I said stop - I am trying to sleep here!" The sounds stopped for a brief time.

I sat straight up in bed, in my now "more coherent mental state" and realized that the sound was in fact not coming from the JB's toy box or bedroom but outside my "open" bedroom window!!! I instantly thought evil thoughts toward our neighbors of all of four months. They have kids who hang with the neighborhood rowdies that make all manner of noise night and day! In a critical moment I felt angry and plotted on how to ask them why they weren't in school or at least walking to the end of the court to catch their bus?

As I peep out my open window and strategically, between the mini blinds, I am shocked to see one of our trademark green Akehurst Landscape trucks parked in my hubby's usual parking spot. I too soon realize...it is not the usual pickup truck he drives...it was in fact the one of the bigger trucks used to transport small equipment for fertilizing and treating lawns for weeds. They visit about once a quarter to treat our lawn and that of the widowed neighbor (who has since moved away ~ hence the "new" neighbors).

I can see a worker - who I do not know personally one of our employees. He is pushing his handy dandy wheeled contraption and it's spitting some niceties on the new neighbor's lawn and THAT's THE SOUND! I stammered, calling out loudly, "Stop! Yes - from behind the blinds because by this point I have not thought to grab a robe or clothes!

The same word repeats "Stop!" the poor guy looks up ~ so confused.

I try to explain, "We have these new neighbors and I guess no one told you but anyway I don't know if they want us treating their lawn-sorry!

He innocently says, "Okay, but you DO want me to still do THAT one (pointing to our postage stamp sized lawn)?

I replied with a huge bout of guilt and embarrassment , "Yes, please and thank you!"

He soon finished, packed up and pulled away from the curb. I could not help but laugh and wonder...Is it often that a crazy womanly voice yells "Stop!" at him from behind closed blinds in an open window - much less those of his boss?

I still break out on laughter as I try to retell this story so I though I'd share it here for everyone else's entertainment. Greta would have laughed heartily if I could have told her about my very embarrassing moment!

Sunflowers galore...

A couple weeks back I took my kids for an afternoon drive up to see the 60 acres of sunflowers blooming in the northern part of our county. It is a breath-taking view on Harford Creamery Road just north of Jarrettsville. The butterflies and bees enjoyed the rows of tall flowers leaning over in the summer heat. God's creation is just magnificent!

A Perspective on Parenthood...

To any parent who has ever struggled with your calling in life and the bedtime ritual. Here is an amazing take on what it can entail.

I needed a good laugh today...this guy is witty...so have a hoot!

Greta has been gone 5 months...

It has been five months today since my sister passed and some days it now seems even harder to face the loss than others. Today has been one of those days...just difficult to face.

By now I am sure people are just tired of seeing, hearing and feeling me grieve. If you have not lost your sister or closest friend then do not judge me. I am not "getting over this" folks so just ignore me if my emotional state is more than you can stand. My true loved ones understand and accept that I am going through the valley of the shadow of death and love me just the same...unconditionally...like Jesus does!

Here is the link to the web page that hosts the tribute our family pulled together, and Bill produced, to share at Greta's home going service. It is different from the one you may have watched online at the website that hosted her obituary. This one reflects the song and words that she wanted to be shared...honoring God's hand on her for her lifetime.

I will warn you it is a tear-jerker. She specifically asked me to remember this song for "her time" and miraculously I was able to eventually recall it.

My Dear Dad...

Today's date, September 11th, has always been special to me because it has always been my Dad's birth date! Sadly, since the terrorist events of 2001 it has been remembered for so many other things but to me it still has much happy significance because that was the day he entered this world.

This morning I spoke with Mom Mom Esther and she told me about that day 65 years ago today. At around 4 AM she delivered the 9+ pound boy, Walter Kemp Jones, Jr., we call Dad. She went into labor before midnight and Grandad Kemp made two different trips to "go fetch" country Doctor Hodous who lived a few miles away from their Winters Run abode.

With mixed emotions, as this is our first round of special dates without Greta, I must share that she always put a lot of thought into her gifts and cards for Dad ~or whoever. I remember many times of celebrating when we all still lived at home. The four of us girls would go buy something for him and he'd say (and still says) we should not spend our money on him! For some reason he has always had difficulty with receiving gifts but we get and give them to him anyway. Maybe that is just the one way we could rebel and "get away with something" I guess. I remember one birthday we got him a bike; other years we would buy him clothes like blue jeans because we girls liked to tell him how to dress. One year I remember buying him tennis shoes and tube socks because we would shoot hoops with him in our backyard. We knew and still know that we could/can not go wrong with purchasing something Messianic, Chet Atkins related or at the very least Wrigley's spearmint gum.

Dad's choice birthday meal is fried Salmon cakes with mashed potatoes and homemade rolls (which must even out for his meal to end). German Chocolate is his favorite birthday cake. Oh and from taking his lead...always with a side slab of butter "on the nose" for the sake of a birthday tradition!

This pic is of Dad on Greta & Howard's wedding day, October 11, 2003. Ironically Greta married a man who shares his birthday with Dad! (So Happy Birthday to Howard too!)

In closing this post today, Dad, I want to say that my prayer is that you will remain as healthy and as steadfast as you are in your faith and desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others until He comes to get us all! I SURE DO LOVE YOU! Your oldest daughter and little tacker, Terri Dawn!

A Busy Weekend...

All four J's were in Christian musicals yesterday afternoon. The three younger ones were in a musical called "Living Inside Out". Jillian was the tiniest dancer. She had her moves down for her "What Cha Gotta Do" dance number. For another song she was one of David's sheep. She is too brave and made me gasp (from my vantage point behind my camera) when she would wander into the forefront of scenes where she had no business. They all played it all off with amazing improv...everything went reasonably well.

Julia did a cool "hat dance". She wore the sparkling tie and belt with a top hat and white gloves. It was a sassy themed song that said, "The Ways of the World...are not for me!". She was as darling as usual and was glad her long braided ponytail didn't "whack" the other dancers in the face. She is a great big sister who watched out for her sis - so she did not get trampled on stage by the older kids in the show.



Our dear Jared played the part of a strong man. He always has more energy than I have ever had even on my best day. He got antsy on the parts where he had nothing to do but he sang loudly and kept a smile on his face for the entire production.

Josiah had two roles in his musical, "High Cotton" set in the South during the The Great Depression era. He was both a reverend and a police officer. The parts were perfect for him because he tries to keep everyone on the "straight and narrow". Thankfully he has a good sense of humor. He even had a part where he had to dance with a girl...something neither Mom or Dad knew until we saw it in the final performance. He behaved like a gentleman ~ of course.

We were glad to be a part of the 8th Annual Children's Musical. It was glorifying to God and communicated the "right kind of message". We all had a great time working on these projects over our summer. Thanks to the efforts of so many tremendously talented people it was a big hit! If I knew how to download my video to youtube you could see them as well....oh well. :( Maybe next ;)time!

A 24 Hour Mommy Vacation...

I got to spend my Friday night and Saturday at the beach!!!! A friend of a friend of a friend has a place in Dewey Beach Delaware. So I enjoyed a 24 hour Mommy vacation with my dear, dear friend who I have known most of my life.

When Esther called to invite me I did not have a problem being her "second string draft pick" (since her daughter was unable to make the trip with her) this time. I needed the break and she knew I had been trying to get to the beach for the past three months! (I would have taken my kids with me but I needed some down time and they had an important dress rehearsal for their respective upcoming Sunday musicals anyway.)

The weather was quite incredible, the sun felt so good and the sea breeze was just amazing so we were lulled into a false sense of security. Let's just say we paid for the decision not to lather up with globs of sunscreen! You would think I would remember getting sun poisoning when I spent countless hours trying to hopelessly "out tan" Greta in my younger years. She sure loved the beach and could tan like no one I know!

Last evening Es and I had a fabulous supper in Ocean City, MD at the Marina Deck. That place is one favorite restaurant that my sisters have shared with many a friend and family member over the past 24 years! They have awesome seafood, a delicious tropical salad and homemade breads "to die for". I just had to call April in California, Candy in Pennsylvania and Mom vacationing in West Virginia just to rub it in! We especially love their coconut muffins the best of all their featured breads. I managed to actually save room for a Dumser's Chocolate milk shake for my ride home!

I am a people watcher and must be truly reaching middle age because some of the things I saw scared me while others made me laugh. I love my camera and resisted taking shots of the freakshow on the Ocean City Boardwalk "after dark".

Since it was a nice overnight trip and I did go a little crazy taking scenic shots and such. This pic is one I caught on bayside in Ocean City right as the sun set.

God sure can paint ~ can't He?

Our Labor Day~ Baby Girl's TV Debut

As you can see from the picture of our four offspring...we spent our Labor Day afternoon at the Maryland State Fair. It was a warm and crowded but the kids enjoyed themselves. In fact the 2 and 1/2 year old and her funnel cake made the evening news for a nano of a second!

Here is a pic and the link to the news video of Jillian on the WJZ-TV 13 News this evening. You'll need to pay close attention at the 1:25 point...don't blink or you'll be sure to miss her!

As you can also see...she did some climbing on a cool wall at the fair. She was so very tuckered out she napped all the way home and slept right through the news report...thus missing her TV debut! Don't you know she got a real thrill watching herself on the computer this evening?! Sadly they did not replay her on the late night news. :(

I have to say right here and now...this weekend was a far cry from the Labor Day weekend, a few years back, when I was carrying Baby Girl in my belly. During my pregnancy I had a serious health scare with a blood clot the docs found in my neck! "We" spent several days in the hospital for treatment. I thank God for sparing both of us and bringing us to this healthy point in life!

Whether my life story ever becomes a blockbuster movie, best-selling book or just a blip on the nightly news...my life has been blessed...truly...beyond all earthly measure and that is good news to me!

Christian Drama on GodTube...

A friend shared this GodTube.com link with me...I thought it would be a good one to share on my blog.

I feel it is one example of how "the Church" can be culturally relevant to today's youth and share Jesus Christ as the answer to a true life of freedom!

August 19, 1944

If my maternal grandparents were still alive today they would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary! I've many fond memories of each of them and their home place where my mother and her five siblings grew up. Mom Mom Jean was a person who never met a stranger, she had a heart of compassion and was gregarious. She would brag about her grand kids to anyone who would listen! Pop Pop Henry was more reserved in nature.Whatever he did choose to share was usually deep. He was very intelligent and the most industrious person I have ever known. I still miss them both very much even though it is 27 years since they passed away!

Baby boy had a b-day today!

Our sweet baby boy..."JB" turned six today! I look at him and still am in awe of how God brought him to us. I was due to have him the week of the 2001 terrorist bombings but went into premature labor five weeks early. It was a scary ride to the hospital because my water broke at home and I was hemorrhaging (due to what we would later find out was a partial placental abruption). He was born just a few hours later at the local hospital-certainly not where I had intended on delivering him but Gid had a plan! We thank God for sparing both of our lives!

Jared Benjamin was born screaming and he has "been-jammin" ever since. He is a smiling kid who is trying to learn to pay the mandolin. He seems to always have a song in his heart and that often comes across his lips. He loves to sing his original songs he makes up himself. Some lyrics are so deep and rich that they give me those goose-chill bumps!

We are so blessed to have been given this precious life to raise...we pray that as he grows he continues to follow close in the steps of Jesus Christ.

More Music With A Message...

I am not a big Kenny Chesney fan but this youtube video is about the making of his video for the song, Who You'd Be Today. I think it speaks to the heart of anyone who has lost a loved one and have days where you wander into the land of "what if" - like I do!

It is still a big deal to me that my sister died so young. It is a fact that at some point everyday I cry about it. Thankfully God is very patient with me and loves me even with my issues and bouts of anger. I hold fast to the hope that it will not always feel this raw. Right now I feel like true healing will not come until I get to Heaven myself.

The last full line in the song says at lot
"I'll see you again someday"

and the last spoken line in the video says even more!
"...It happens for a reason...you gotta have faith!"

See if you catch that at the end.





Who You'd Be Today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
See your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe your gone

(Chorus:)
It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing, no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today

Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Somedays the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

(Chorus)

Today [3x]
Today [3x]

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know, I'll see you again someday

Someday, someday

An Amazing Place!

Today we had the awesome privilege to tour the new Billy Graham Library (Museum actually) in Charlotte, North Carolina. It looks like a fancy barn with a huge cross-shaped glass windowed entrance. The presentation is a 3-D, awe-inspiring journey through the many years of this man's ministry and family life. Folks - this is one stop NOT to miss in your trip through time on this earth! A definite on the list of "places to see in my lifetime"! You say "Just how interesting could a building/museum of sorts be?"

Well, I will say this..it reflects the message of hope preached to millions the world over. It was well thought out and put together that it pulls all these pieces of information together in one place through multi-media presentations, artifacts and mock-up places of significance. In fact it has so many facets that it is hard to put into words. It so impressed the hearts of the 118 people on the tour with us that they did not want to leave and intend on returning soon.

We need to go back and soak in the scriptures, the music, the pieces of this place in history and God's message of hope and peace. I think all of us were shedding joyful tears at some point there or since. Billy Graham had a burning desire to share his faith in Jesus Christ and carry the "good news" with lost souls world wide!

Change...

Today a piece of my childhood died. I just got word "through the grapevine" that they are demolishing the old Bel Air Roller Rink! This was the teeny bopper hangout for at least 50 years. My Pop Pop Henry helped install and weld the railings when it was built.

I remember going skating there from about age 13, my mother went there when she was young, there was a birthday party for Greta when she was 11 or so. We had our Julia's birthday there just a few years back(see pic).

This is yet another change on the landscape of horizon here in the county where I grew up and have lived my whole life. Just an indication that nothing stays the same.
Only God is unchanging!

Music with a Message

I have loved this magnificent song since the first time I heard it.
However it means more to me now than ever before.

Here it is sung by Geoff Moore and Christy Nockels with beautiful photographs to compliment it. You may have heard it as recorded by Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton. That video has some nice personal touches of famous people holding pictures of their dearly departed loved ones.

It sure makes you think about Heaven. Be blessed...so sorry if it makes you cry!

When I Get Where I'm Going

A teenager in my house?

It happened today...our oldest child became a teenager! I can't believe it! It does not seem possible that it has been thirteen years...it seems like we just learned that we were expecting for the first time! It was not hard to believe when he was born because I was a few days getting around to delivering him! It was a memorable event. He was a big boy of "nearly" 9 lbs!!!

I endured two boring days of induction(s) with little progress; it became a concern. So when the doc started talking c-section...Bill laid his hands on my abdomen and asked God to intervene...that very second my water broke and in several hours we held our first born -a boy!

William "Josiah" is an amazing young man. We are so elated that he knows the Lord and pursues the holy things of God. It is our prayer that he remains faithful in both the biggest and smallest challenges of life. He has many talents, is an avid reader, enjoys music and loves playing the guitar. He is a wonderful person!

He's a joy to our souls and we are thankful for his life. We praise God for sending him to us to parent and ask the Lord to help us to continue to nurture him in the day in and day out of life! Amen!!!

Forgiveness...

Do you ever hear a song and it cuts right to the quick of your soul? That just happened to me as I stumbled across this awesome song, I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath! As most know, I recently went through one of the very deepest types of loss they say one can experience in life - the death of a sibling - my closest - younger sister and best friend!

My sister died as the result of a blood clot that moved to her heart. She had many medical issues, six that were identified, the main one being Systemic Lupus the most dangerous was something called antiphospholipidsyndrome which caused her to "just throw clots at the drop of a hat". She had experienced seven pulmonary embolisms (blood clots which go to the lungs) over a four year period and yet very miraculously survived each one. The "eighth" as we know it...is what "took" her from this world. However, I know on God's time-line this was her appointment with her Creator, Lord and Savior and so I am happy on her behalf...she is home and healed! The scriptures say that it is a precious thing in God's eyes when a saint goes home to be with Him and so I rejoice when I can. However, I indeed do miss her so very much and because I loved her so deeply sometimes words cannot express enough.

The days following her death were as none I have ever experienced in my life. At the time it was surrealistic. A flood of people ministered to us for several days as the news of her passing spread far and wide. We had occasion to speak with and see some acquaintances we had not seen or heard from in years!I am still recalling things about those early days of adjusting to the initial shock of it all.

During those first few days and weeks God placed His finger on areas of my heart - some of which I had even hidden from myself. Some hurts were literally decades old, seemingly "fossil-like pieces" buried in heaps of dust in my heart. God gave me a desire to want to go to certain people - individuals from my past who I had chosen to "write-off" for one reason or another. I am talking old ill will, emotional baggage, anger-riddled hurts that I had held for just, well, way too long!

God gave me a dose of courage to contact specific individuals and tell them in a forthright way that I had finally made peace in my heart...most importantly...on a personal level...very earnestly forgave them. I confessed that I had harbored wrong thoughts toward them for too long and asked them to please forgive me as well. The choice to forgive and the privilege to be forgiven was a most freeing experience for me. It was like having a huge heavy burden lifted off of me! People are the only portion of this world which will go into eternity with us. We each are objects of God's grace and should be treated as such. As believers on Christ Jesus we need to model grace more easily and often than we tend to...God does this for us on a continuing basis!

I would not wish a close and substantial loss like I have sustained on anyone. And I have to say that it should not have taken such a "slap in the face" for me to seek reconciliation with precious ones in my life. Throughout our lives, God allows us to hold certain people in a dear place, close to our hearts, and yet over time, things like a miscommunication, emotional confusion, guilt for indiscretions, a misunderstanding or just horrific pride can sever that relationship. Allowing a root of bitterness to grow into a well-established noxious weed is awful! We need to be purveyors of grace! We need to find forgiveness in Jesus..we need to favor forgiveness!

In this body of flesh I am struggling as I grieve...frankly, right about now, this lifted burden (an emotional healing for me) seems to be one of the only positive results I readily see from the loss of my sister. I know God has a woven plan and with my eyes I long to see it but I must with eyes of faith know that in time I will see that bigger picture - or as some say -the "right" side of a beautifully woven tapestry!

God is one who extends tremendous mercy (withholding the punishment we so deserve for our sin) and He extends His all-amazing grace (His favor which we can never merit/earn) so freely and in unconditional love wraps His arms around us like a loving parent does to comfort a young child. Remember to praise Him and earnestly thank Him for this sometime!

Many years ago God started a work in my heart. Unlike me, He is faithful to complete what He starts! As I prayed a prayer to surrender my life totally over to His Lordship I sensed instant forgiveness and freedom that set my heart on a straighter path - a deeper walk than I had ever experienced before. This reconciliation with people from my past is another big step of growth on my spiritual life path.

I want to once again thank my Heavenly Father for his grace and for the fact that like the song title says, I am NOT Who I Was. Brandon Heath has been innately bestowed with a gifting for putting words together that touch the deep matters of the heart that I have mentioned here. My prayer is that you will watch/listen to this YouTube video, think on it, pray about it and share it with those in your life who may be struggling with a similar situation. Think on your own past hurts, how you may be in bondage to buried pain and holding unforgiveness. Make the choice to release it to God today and pray about His timing for you to share that with the person(s) who wronged you. Also please pass this message of grace and forgiveness onto others!

From Colossians 3...
vs.- 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
vs. 14 - And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
vs. 15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
vs. 16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

May you choose to walk in the light of God's love sooner rather than later. Our future here on earth is uncertain at best so we need to seek to make things right - the sooner the better!

Thanks for reading what the Lord laid on my heart...I trust it will mean something to someone's heart somewhere today. :)

Remembering Bill's Dad Today

A most amazing man...Rev. William Edward Akehurst...today would have been his 72nd birthday! He took his flight to Heaven on March 1, 2006 and that left a void in our hearts that only Jesus Christ can fill...especially on special days like today. I cannot begin to address all his life accomplishments so here is the link to his obituary which is posted on the family business website at...
http://www.akehurst.com/wea.htm

He would be so proud of how his three sons, Bill, Brian and John have stepped up to fill his shoes in the numerous areas of his very productive life! He was a man who planned his work and worked his plan in a time concious manner. As one who is challenged in that area...I really admired that about him. He was a man of consistency, integrity and faithfulness. He loved his wife, family and friends and had a contagious laugh!

I like to think that God let him know how Bill has endeavored to see that the ministry to the elderly at the Harford Seniour Housing Center and the Billy Graham TVTM has continued on. Had he seen it here he would have been very pleased to see the legacy of faith and business ethics transition to next generation of Akehursts! Proverbs 3:5 & 6

My Granddad Rev. "Kemp" Jones

Today it has been 31 years since my "Granddad" the Reverend "Kemp" Jones went to be with the Lord on July 17, 1976. I never will forget it because his death was the first close relative I experienced as a loss. I remember people trying to comfort me and telling me to "just be happy" for him. I have vivid memories of thinking how "these people must be nuts" telling me to be happy when I am so sad!

I had spent those first thirteen years of my young life under his preaching...and I do mean preaching. He was a man of tall stature with strong arms and a firm handshake. He was not afraid to get loud and excited about the good news he had to share! He preached much of his adult years life and as a planter of several churches in Harford County, Maryland and southern York County, Pennsylvania he endeavored to follow the Lord's plan for his life. One church he started was formerly an old school house and another one was a bank building. He used his inheritance to build another church - a new building from the ground up and never asked for a cent in return when he moved on to other works. He chose to work to earn a living-driving trucks and drilling wells. He liked cars and was always buying, selling or trading to get a different one.

Grandaddy loved preaching in the sawdust...which meant during the summer months he would pitch a big tent, cover the ground with sawdust, setup his pulpit, construct benches and an altar area and buy paperback hymnals. Then he would go out and invite in the common folk who would otherwise not dart in a church door!

I can still see him standing there in front of the altar area with his hands extended, tears streaming down his face as he begged people to ask Jesus into their heart(s). Many came forward to publicly confess Christ as Savior and Lord. Those last summers he preached he led many to Christ and many received Believer's Baptism in a local stream...I was among those who were baptized in the cool waters of Deer Creek! Some people baptized by him are still here serving Christ some 50 years later! One elderly lady I can recall now goes to church with us (in fact, my hubby is now her Pastor) in the Harford Senior Housing Center. She speaks highly of Granddad's early ministry days and my Grandmom Esther's devotion and sacrifice for the sake of furthering the gospel.

Grandad gave a lot of credit to his mother for praying for him when he was living far from God as a young man. He said that he would come home from "a night of drinking and playing pool". He could hear here praying out loud for him; she was a shoutin' and prayin' mama who desired to see "her boy get straightened out" and follow Christ. In time, her prayers were answered and his life was changed for evermore. He often used the example of the Prodigal son in his sermons and had a tender heart toward those caught in the web of sin.

I have fond memories of him. He loved scrambled eggs and ate shelled peanuts by the bagful! He had a beautiful steel blue eyes and a trademark way he held his hands as he sat straddled on a kitchen chair turned backwards. I recall some weekends when I was a young one, we would visit my grandparents, sometimes especially on Sunday evenings (after an evening church) service we would have a family time of prayer before parting. We would all bow on our knees in the living room and take turns praying out loud. My sister, Greta told me the account more than one time, and most recently just weeks before her death. She was so funny...she would crawl up on Granddad's back while he was kneeling in prayer and sit on him like he was a pony. She appreciated it so much that he endured her foolishness and never "told on her" because surely our Daddy would have "corrected her right then and there" for being so disrespectful to God and Granddad during prayer! WOW...don't you know that the saints are all sharing some stories in Glory right now. Just knowing how much they loved each other and that they are together now gives me great peace.

When Granddaddy passed on we laid his body to rest in the cementery of the church where he first felt called to minister and was ordained, Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bel Air, Maryland. Here is the online pic of his headstone...which bears his given name, birth and death years at this link...



One life completely surrendered to Christ can have an amazing impact on eternity. I am the oldest grandchild and yet I am too young to number the many who came to a saving knowledge of God's only Son through this man's ministry. However, I am still in complete awe of the man and how he fervertly prayed, read his Bible, sacrificed and preached to the Glory of God Almighty!

Ever just wish you had stayed in bed?

Yesterday was Friday the 13th again...same as the day after my sister's death just three months back...HOWEVER I AM NOT SUPERSTITIOUS! God has blessed my life and I am sure He has spared me from so much more than I will ever know on this side of eternity!

Yesterday, I had a day sorta like this "youtube" bit! SOMEHOW...a harbinger (spring clip) on my HUGE keychain detached and I lost the remote that locks/unlocks my SUV. More importantly I lost an expensive SanDisk compact flash (media) with over 200 priceless and irreplaceable digital photos on it! I don't care about the $ part of it but the sentimental part of me is tormented that these pics of my dearly departed sister's boys (Josh's graduation and Kyle's first camp experience)as well as some Father's Day and other shots I simply cannot duplicate or restage - ARE ALL LOST!

PLEASE PRAY that someone whoever has these items will soon step forward with them! I am "heart sick" about the whole situation and just keep breaking down and crying over yet another loss! I know everyone dislikes loss...well I HATE LOSS. I have had my moments -major losses over the years and the past few months (to over a year now). Frankly, am weary like David was in the Psalms!

I recognize that this is all in God's hands...I need to accept "His ways are not mine". I have plans but He is the one WHO IS in ultimate control. I have learned a valuable lesson about guarding priceless things! I am confident that my Lord knows the location of all my losses - for sure!

If you too need a laugh...watch this clip!

The Flight...ode to 91 days!

The drive to the hospital the morning of "that" phone call - all the concern for Greta's weakened state. It was not an easy one but God was faithful to carry me to do what I needed to do - to say goodbye to my very closest friend - ever!

Even though the medical people were telling us "the next two hours would tell us whether she would survive"...I already knew in my heart that this was IT - the last time I would see her. How do you begin to prepare to say goodbye to someone who you have known most of your life? She had told me twice in the week preceding this day...that "this time" she was "not coming out of the hospital". She was "going to get her healing". She knew she was headed to Heaven to "get her new body" and where she would be free from the horrible constant pain! God was working in my heart...to let her go...to release her to the Lord's keeping and to that greater realm beyond this pathetic place!

The sky was overcast and my heart felt the same...a shadowed feeling. But I recalled the words of comfort God gave me earlier that morning about developing a heart of worship in all circumstance. As I recall the lengthy drive to Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center - the whole morning had a spiritual element very hard for me to express in words. As I said, it was a cloudy day but my heart sensed the shadow of the Almighty's presence. The Lord blessed me with the comfort of the dearest people via my cell phone. The love and prayers extended to me were a tremendous blessing to my heavy heart. It was good to know that I was being lifted up in prayer as I made my journey to Lititz.

As God would ordain, my dear friend, Corliss, would be available to go with me. It was special to have her with me for that place in time. She's a strong woman of God, also the wife of a pastor, an accomplished pediatric nurse and dearly loved person. She had been touched by the loss of a sibling herself and after losing both her biological father and the dad who raised her within a short time - quite acquainted with grief. (At that point I knew she too "would be leaving me" within a short time; I had to push that pain away to deal with the moment. Maybe I will talk about that in another post someday.) Corliss was there for me and my family for that precious time as she had been for so many other life changes in the ten years we have been close friends. She prayed, comforted and loved on my bunch. It was a blessing to have her there and I thank God for providing that time together before her inevitable move to Alabama just a few weeks later!

God's sheltering arms were evident...as I walked in the room to see Greta like that...inti-bated and just barely holding on. I stood there quiet for a bit, rubbing her arm, touching her face, stroking her beautiful hair - we had shared so much. It seemed like a very bad dream- a nightmare! How do you say those words? I prayed out loud...thanking God for giving her to me as my little sister 38 years before. I recognized that he knew when she would be born and certainly knew when she would die. Her life days were ordained and known before the foundation of the earth! I thanked Him for the blessing of her life and what she was to all she knew. I sincerely praised His high and holy name right then and there. I hugged Greta and told her that "everything was going to be all right" with us. "I love you Greta - you go be with Jesus." and she did! It was a mere three minutes after I arrived that she "took off". I know she waited for me...before taking "the flight" - she had so many times before in her dealings with me! And even now I know she is waiting for me - again.

I love all my sisters so very dearly and deeply. I never ever imagined having to experience the death of any of the three! After all I have always been and will always be the oldest. I was five years older than Greta and several years the elder of Candace and April. The reality of losing my "lifetime partner in crime, laughter and mischief" is undoubtedly one of the more difficult and emotionally painful things I have had to do in my whole 44 years of life!

I SURE DO MISS HER! Three months to the day and date (Thursday the 12th)! Thirteen weeks of shedding tears everyday - at some point! Sure some days are more painful than others...so far "time"...91 days "has not healed squat"! I have many prized memories of her time here...everyday brings little remembrances...sometimes when I least expect it...a memory is triggered...it's a miracle I have not been electrocuted for crying while using my laptop (Greta would have laughed at that comment)! Nothing seems the same...nothing is the same...and I am convinced that my life IS forever changed! I can say with great confidence that I know her life has changed too and OH how for the better...that is the only good "trade off" here. But I love her that much!!! I know I am going to be all right...just like I told her...we are going to be all right - by God's help and comfort.

Precious in the Sight of the Lord

Last Sunday evening, I had the occasion to venture back to the church I attended as a teenager and young adult. It was time to honor the life of a great man, Pastor Allen "Jack" Beck.

This awesome man of God had stood behind the pulpit of North Harford Baptist in Jarrettsville, Maryland for decades prior to 1989. He and Mrs. Jean continued to serve the Lord at their new location in PA. Over the years age and illness would come to challenge Pastor. From accounts he never waivered from reading the Word of God. On the morning of July 3, 2007 he met his and Savior face to face...and he was made whole by the very same precious Lord he had shared with so many people over the years. I am so happy for the rest this saint of God has been granted and the words he no doubt has heard, “Well - done thy good and faithful servant!"

Pastor Beck often got excited when preaching about God's provision of salvation through Our Lord's precious and only son, Jesus Christ. He spoke with God-given authority and was not afraid to call sin what it is within his sermons! Men with his forthrightness and character are difficult to find these days. He always rose to the moment with an appropriate word, whether it was in his Sunday sermon, to a young couple standing before him to establish their marriage covenant, preaching a funeral of a dearly departed friend, working on the mission field or the certain smile with a handshake at the church's homemade ice cream social! He surely was one of a kind!

He was a man who proclaimed grace and made us all aware of mercy in light of God's complete holiness. I especially appreciated his heart of compassion whether it was for missions (like the works in Haiti and at the Baltimore Rescue Mission), a caring gesture toward those struggling with the consequences of sin or prayer for a burden to lift. He desired to share the steps to peace with God to those who were burdened under the weight of sin and encouraged all of us to walk with Jesus in the everyday. I have to say that he was one man who always offered the opportunity for people to make things “right with the Lord” and make a public profession of their faith in Jesus before the close of each service.

Pastor had a unique sense of humor and one of his famous summer-sayings that sticks out in my mind was, "Do you think it's hot out today? Well, aren't you glad you not going to hell?!" He sure made you think!

I and many look forward to such a wonderful reunion with him and many other saints who have gone on before us – to Heaven’s glory for eternity. I think it is sooner than most of us realize!

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of a saint...Amen!

P.S. There was a nice writeup in today's
Baltimore Sun.

The Dirty Dozen

The four of us girls have birthed twelve AMAZING kids! Each one is an absolute gift from above and we certainly thank God for each of their lives! Here they are standing in line by age -youngest to oldest- now 2 to 18 years old. This picture was taken at a family frisbee golf outing just a week or so after we lost Greta.

Happy Independence Day!

We are so blessed to live in the freedom that we do...that which we were born into as citizens of our great country. And more importantly the tremendous freedom we have as believers on Christ Jesus...a freedom which is our spiritual inheritance!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Two months...

It has been two months today since Greta went on to her heavenly home. It was my goal to write in my blog about my experience that day as I drove to hospital and went to say good bye to her for that last time. However, instead and in memorium to Greta's great faith, I decided to post the lyrics to a song I recently discovered and cherish so much...

It is a Mark Harris song titled WISH YOU WERE HERE
(From his album The Line Between The Two)

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we're apart
But don't cry for me
'Cause I'm finally free
(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me

No don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They'll welcome you home
And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free

(Chorus)
I wish you were here, I wish you were here

And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again

(Chorus)

We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We'll listen to stories of saints new and old
We'll worship our maker that's where we'll be
When you finally find me

I wish you were here

WOW...do the math!

Last evening my hubby took me out on the town to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on Baltimore's Pier 5. As parents of four children these days, it is not too often that we "go out on a date". So this was a real treat. From the valet parking to the most attentive waiter ever encountered...it was a truly enjoyable evening! The food was delicious and (without our offspring there to interject 29 questions into our conversation) we dialogued at some length.

We recalled "just how it was" that we...
~managed to meet
~became friends
~made the decision to date only each other
~brokeup
~reunited
~dated, dated and dated some more
~got engaged
~dated yet more
~planned a wedding
~persevered and didn't bail out
~weathered some figurative storms and
~survived a literal batch of "prenuptial tornadoes"...
all without calling off our trip to the altar 17 years ago yesterday!

17 YEARS..
WOW...just do the math...
THAT'S...
68 quarters
204 months
884 weeks
6,205 days
148,920 hours
8,935,200 minutes
536,112,000 seconds and
to think (as confessed-complete-opposites)we heard that some said we wouldn't last!

It is important to share that we knew full-well from the beginning that neither of us were without flaws...so we invited the only perfect person who ever lived to be the head of our relationship...Jesus Christ! Inscribed in each of our wedding bands is the scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:12,

...a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

We believe that the Lord ~with us~ makes that threefold cord. He is our rock, our salvation and the real secret to our marital longevity. For this reality we thank, praise and give Him all credit!

My Bible-carrier Graduated...

The tuxedo-clad, brown-eyed toddler who staggered (carrying a tiny Bible)down the aisle for my wedding, nearly 17 years ago, just graduated from from my high school Alma mater on May 31, 2007! As I prepared to capture the picture of my nephew, Joshua, in his green cap and gown and receiving his sheepskin, I felt a bit anxious and more than words can say about pride, sadness and happiness -all at the same time!

Joshua Kemp Jones, how could so much time have passed? You mean so much to all of us especially, Mom Mom Margaret and Grandad Walter. Where-did-the-years-go? No, I won't spring into singing my rendition of "Sunrise~Sunset". But how-can-this-be-so-real-and-so-soon? It seems like just last week, I was rocking you as a precious crying newborn baby boy and singing to you - so sorry- but I can't resist...

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus,
Let us tell him all about our troubles,
He will hear your faintest cry and
He will answer by and by.
So when you feel a little prayer wheel turning,
Just know a little fire is burnin',
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right!

You are a fine young man who is entering a troubled and fallen world. I pray that you will look to your Lord and Saviour to be your compass to find the "one true north" and the only rock on which to build your own family of strength someday! He will be your comfort and abiding best friend with whom you can always talk!

As my closest younger sister, your Mom was undoubtedly one of the dearest people I have ever known! It is a certainty that if she could have, she would have looked on this day of accomplishment with a huge smile while shedding many happy tears of elation -and relief! As you know she had a tremendous sense of humor (in fact she had joked with me about keeping you from dating until you're 30) but of course in all seriousness, -only a Christian lady! Her desires to see you guard your heart and walk with your mind fixed on following Jesus Christ were of the utmost sincerity. So this too is my wish and my prayer for you in this chapter and the rest of your long life!!! With All My Love ~Your Aunt Terri~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Memorial Day Perspective

Recently, very dear friends of mine, actually - my mentors in wedding photography - have experienced two sons being deployed...one to Iraq and the other to Afghanistan. As we pray for Jim and Diane to have peace concerning what missions God has called their sons to accomplish, we also pray for Rick and Paul as they follow through!

So, on Monday and again on the 30th of May, despite how so many of the liberal celebs try to undermine the war effort, I tried/will try to focus on the true significance of the Memorial holiday that most celebrated on Monday but in tradition was historically-speaking Wednesday's date! I am disturbed as the national news media continues attempting to skew our perception of our nation's attempt to resolve the issues that were indeed precursors to our trip to enact war on those who harbored terrorists! In respect to the personal freedoms we enjoy, but so often take for granted...we should at very least render honor to all those who have, do and will serve in our military and to those of our allies.

We should strive to pray for, and be an encouragement to those who put there lives on the line everyday! A few years back we helped out in a ministry to the military on our local Army base. The church, where we were members, coordinated rides for the enlisted to and from the Sunday morning services. We had extra seats in our SUV so we volunteered and made new acquaintances in the process. Our kids adopted some Army friends and a few we kept tabs on, went overseas to serve. We have had relatives and special friends, who (like Ms. Holly) have served in the Middle East. We enjoy sharing homemade stuff...greeting cards, cookies and such...so I guess care packages should become a way of life for such a time as this! I understand that even the smallest tokens of appreciation are great morale boosters among the deployed.

Since the tragic loss of our second cousin, Staff Sgt. Keith Bennett, while serving in Iraq, on December 12, 2005, we are made keenly aware of the reality of the danger each military person faces each and every day. So we entrust them to God's keeping and must be at peace about their part in the bigger picture which we do not yet see!

http://www.legacy.com/Soldier/Story.aspx?personid=15978970


Even with the loss of Keith, we have only some idea of the selfless sacrifice that families are making everyday in the vital stand and fight against terrorism. Today, I have a heart of tremendous compassion toward anyone who is grieving the loss of one they loved so dearly.

Sadly, many of our service men and women who are serving right now may feel that a vast number of Americans are against them and the mission they are now on to promote freedom in place where hostility is as common as the daily news! I want to share a point from my Praying God's Day by Day devotional dated May 28th (by Beth Moore). It was about feeling forsaken or hated. I never noticed the referenced verse from quite this perspective...but our Heavenly Father is with us when NO ONE ELSE seems to care.

Psalm 27:10

(KJV)
When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take me up.

(NKJV)
When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the Lord will take care of me.

(AMP)
Although my father and my mother have forsaken me,
yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].

Lastly, another scripture, John 15:13,
speaks to the heart of the subject
of a love that sacrifices...
Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.

To think...
the day that so many Americans just look at as
...a means to a three day weekend,
...the day the pool is opened,
...a morning to catch a good early bird sale at the mall
or...
the first big BBQ of the summer season!

WOW...it now means so much more!

Tis the season...

It's that time of year folks....wedding season!

Last Saturday I photographed the nuptials of a happy, young couple as the sun streamed through the stained glass windows of the Union Chapel UMC in Joppa, MD. The daughter of some dear family friends, was blessed with gorgeous weather for her big day. Julie and Jason will have over 500 sunny memories to look back on as they walk through life and together weather their less than sunny days!

Shooting a wedding always takes me back to the day I got married. The weather was partly sunny and partly cloudy for my big day! As a matter of fact, as we took our marriage vows the community around us was cleaning up the aftermath of a storm which spawned small tornadoes and wreaked havoc in the country community where I grew up. It involved no death or dismemberment but it leveled barns, uprooted mature trees and took down power lines. We lost electricity and thus running water was not! So for 12 of the 15 hours before my limo was to arrive and take me to my awaiting groom I was in great distress! Little did I know then that my wedding pictures would serve to remind me in an almost tangible way that life storms will certainly come and surely go. (I will share more on that in a future post!)

Today, I photographed another wedding, this one in the beautiful Rocks State Park, under God's magnificent canopy of creation. Our sweet neighbor of six years has taken the plunge after nearly nine years of young widowhood and single-handedly raised her precious daughter from six months of age! As the reception commenced I rejoiced with such a heartfelt joy for Michelle and her new husband, Patrick. God had turned her mourning into dancing!

I share these wedding memories to bring the realities of life to my blog. We all have times in our lives where our joy can barely be contained within our being and we shudder to think about the fact that we will indeed experience treacherous life storms. Thankfully a weather-beaten life has the hope that the clouds will clear and the sun will shine on our souls again.

God said in Ecclesiastes 3:1-22...there’s a time and a season for everything. Each day we face our custom-made life. Certainly, both good and bad seasons will come our way because that is what life is comprised of and we know this full well. The providence of the all powerful God meets up with our will and the choice we make to accept or reject the reality of our life experiences. We can choose to ride out the storms with or without a faith in God to sustain us. Certainly it is far better to trust Him and be peace-filled knowing that He is at work in us, seeing and many times carrying us through the tough times. Man-made resolve and/or vices only bring a temporary peace.

Every season has its place in the time line of your life. Be blessed in this and each and every day, in every life experience and each season, be it good or bad. If you are trusting in Jesus, you have the hope from the scripture, Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God has plans for you in whatever season of your life you are in!

The most amazing ten minutes

My cousin, Lindsey, posted a link on her blog to this "you tube" video. To say that it is moving would be a huge understatement! I can say, without any reservation, that it is among the most amazing 10 minutes I have spent on the computer -ever!

I have added a sidebar from YOUTUBE...
so if you click on the third window pane you can watch this

So, remove any distractions, turn on your speakers, sit back and receive this piece of peace into your spirit!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYTIWcXbYfY



Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

AMEN!

A phone call 6 weeks ago today...

At 6:42 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2007 I got a phone call that would change my earthly life forever. The strings ~life strings~ holding, tethering my sister, Greta Andrea Jones Willis to this world were being cut by God Himself.

It was the call I never wanted to receive; one of my greatest fears. I remember saying, "Oh God help me - this can't really be happening. She has been here most all of my life. Please intervene, be her Peace, Lord...I need a word from You...I canNOT do this myself!"

I picked up the March 2007 issue of Decision magazine from my bathroom floor as I fumbled to face the "sucker punch" I had just received. "God please show me something profound!" The water-damaged periodical fell open to an article by Tommy Walker, "The Breakthrough Power of Worship". My eyes fell on the final two paragraphs...as I soaked it in.

"Worship is a declaration of our weakness and God's strength. I challenge you in your next point of need to make that hard choice to be a worshiper and let the breakthrough God fight your battle for you."
"When we worship, the invisible God is at work doing invisible and powerful things. We get realigned, refreshed and refueled; we find unspeakable joy and indescribable peace. We discover the breakthrough strength of God, which enables us to walk in the truth, live in His presence and see Him fight our battles for us. It is how we can put the beauty of the Gospel on display, receive His many blessings and at the same time be a blessing to the world."

I stood on these writings and God empowered me to go forth with a heart of worship! And that I can say without reservation! Thank you Jesus!

So proud of Josh...

The boy born in 1989, who first gave me the title "Aunt" Terri, just keeps making me proud! Last evening, I ventured to Fawn Grove, PA to the attend awards assembly of the North Harford High School Class of 2007, of which my nephew Joshua is a member. The event had to be held across the PA line at Kennard Dale High School because N.H.H.S. is undergoing construction for much-needed renovations. I am so glad I made the trip.

Josh received an award bestowed upon him by some faculty members. I can't recall the exact title but it had to do with making a special contribution to school life while enduring challenges. Losing his mother, less than a month after we celebrated his rite of passage into adulthood (yes he is 18!), was/is a major trauma for this young man. Now 6 weeks out from our loss, with the Lord's help, we are chugging along a moment at a time. I have to say, Joshua Kemp Jones, "You sure are gifted with your mother's perseverance!" I am looking forward to you receiving your diploma the end of the month!

One of the challenges that Josh had to face upon Greta's passing was to finish his senior year project -a custom wooden nightstand. I cannot imagine trying "to get back to the grind after such" but he sure did! He, with tenacity, finished one fabulously beautiful piece of furniture! This "Auntie" is so impressed with his work...I am thinking "nephew" might be my answer to reasonably priced finer furnishings I desire for our Lord-willing, soon-coming new log home! I must mention here that I helped feed, change, babysit, rock and sing to him during his first 15 months of life!!! This must count for some preferential treatment!

Our family is very grateful to a church friend of Dad's, a dear man, Mr. Thompson. This gifted gentleman mentored Josh throughout this project. He is a precious saint of God who would take no compensation for his time, even though he has had serious health challenges of late! We are praying for him and ask you to join us as we ask the Lord to bless him and protect him as he undergoes a pace-maker procedure this week. Amen!

In a time when our world is such a mess; hatred, rage and selfishness reign on every newscast! It is good to know that the Lord still has his godly servants, extraordinary hearts willing to sacrifice to make a difference in the life of a young person! Mr. Thompson is so generous and I know my nephew will never forget the contribution that this man of God made to his project and life. His time was an eternal investment that I know the Lord will not leave as unrewarded. Praise be to Jesus, AMEN and AMEN!

An Opening Point

Today (now yesterday) was a particularly bright and beautiful May Monday day but inside my head it was anything but sunny! God has blessed me with a sanguine personality (optimistic, very outgoing & talkative). I can honestly say that even though things in my life are never perfect, I can recall only a few times, since I surrendered my life to Christ, that I have not been able to rise to the occasion and see the glass as at least half-full! Yes, it was yet another weepy day for me (the likes thereof have become more frequent as I mourn) and this was not even the typical "offbeat day or two" that we females experience monthly. Today, I really wanted to run away from my life and my reality!

Since my sister, Greta, moved to her eternal home (almost 6 weeks ago) I have felt a wide range of emotion. I have tried to see the spiritual significance in each day and each person I have the privilege to meet or share time with on the phone. But I have to say that with each stage of grief -my emotions have spun both beautiful tapestries of hope and some serious cobwebs of doubt about my spiritual and mental state(s).

After dinner tonight, I sat down and was searching for some comfort "personal words" of encouragement from God's word. Okay, now have you ever done this? Just opened the Bible in a random fashion...as if some message will magically jump off the page at you? Well be warned that the Bible has many "not so pleasant verses" so you may struggle to find the significance of "just any old verse". I am blessed to own several Bibles and the one I picked up tonight was my Women of Faith Devotional Bible. The page I opened to -seemed to be nothing very profound - at least not at first. I just skimmed the blip called Hope which referenced Galatians 6:9 and then pressed on to read the related devotional by some woman of a faith who wrote....

Hope is a word I love. Hope keeps you going when things don't look so good. Hope is the only thing left at times, I love it that God tells us not to lose hope. If we keep hope alive in our souls, we shall reap in due season. When we can't see past the darkness we can always have hope. Isn't it great to know there are seasons to our lives? My season of life right now is raising....precious children...-a great season, but a challenge every minute as well. I need hope that tomorrow may be easier or sweeter."Thank you, Lord, for the hope., You give me minute by minute."

It touched me and then I read the author's name...it was signed...Terry Jones...Point of Grace

You may ask, "So what's the big deal?" Well I will tell you...my maiden name was Terri Jones! I was so surprised - I know this passage and devotion were meant for me for a time such as this! I say that to share this....you can rest-assured that God is a very personal God! He is the ever faithful friend and He never ceases to amaze me. Unlike our "supposed friends and loved ones" who (for diverse reasons may) tend to distance themselves when we need them the most! It is comforting to know that when we sincerely seek His face, He does not run and hide! He meets us at the point of our genuine need!!! PRAISE HIS HIGH AND HOLY NAME AMEN!