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!