Rejoicing in the Snow

It's me again ... just wondering ... how can something as simple, quiet and unassuming as snow evoke such intense feelings of peace and wellbeing? God has overwhelmed me these past few weeks ... a new home, my own actually ... the first in a few years. And He gave me my first white Christmas EVER and it was in my new home. What a glorious season of restoration my Lord is giving me. I'm sitting just now, on my back patio in the peace ... enjoying the silence that only snow can bring. My yard and the rooftops of my new neighbors are a winter wonderland. The soccer balls and net are a reminder of a very active, sportsminded 9-year-old that helps keep me young ... at least that's what people are telling me. Perhaps it is their attempt to help me feel better about looking so tired all the time! But what a blessing. Reminders of the many, many ways God shows me just how very much He loves me. There are sounds from inside my new home that are reminders as well ... a devoted Dad who's playing a round of pool with that 9-year-old who loves soccer so much! Thank you God, for a man who loves his children so much!

See, God didn't leave me alone and in despair when He chose to re-assign my first husband to heavenly duty. He gave me the gift of a second life. He gave two young boys a man who would love them and care for them. And He gave me another blessed opportunity at motherhood! Not just step-mom to two precious girls, but another son of my very own. What a joy.

Okay ... I've disgressed already. This really is a word to any of my really old friends who remember the days at 511 N. Akard in downtown Dallas. To Barb, Marsha, Joy, Nelda, Debbie, Jackie ... those of us called to ministry in the old Baptist Building. You know the one ... it was supposed to become a parking garage for Turtle Creek Bank if memory serves correctly. But did you guys see the news tonight? It isn't housing cars ... and I've wondered about it each time I'm downtown at the Meyerson enjoying they Symphony or at the DMA enjoying their latest art exhibition ... it is now a home for the HOMELESS! Imagine that! All those years we spent there in ministry ... wanting to change the world. And 20 years later, that is exactly what God is doing through that corner at San Jacinto and Akard! He is providing a place for those that have no place. I never dreamed that He would do such an amazing work ... I had visions of the offices in disrepair after so many years spent unoccupied, but all the while our blessed Lord had a plan ... a plan for the marginal and homeless. I'm so glad that space was dedicated to God's ministry so many years ago, and continues to be a place of refuge for those who have no hope. Isn't God amazing! I love it when He shows up at the most unexpected moments.

May He keep each of you and your families safe so that you can enjoy the majesty and wonder of the beauty of a Texas snow! I think I'll go to bed early tonight ... I see some snowman building in my future VERY early tomorrow!

Be blessed!

btw: This blogging thing can be addicting!

My Story

Well, I did it. I stepped into the new millennium ... perhaps a little later than most of you, but here I am. I'm here because I have a story to share. A story of encouragement. A story of hope. I began Light of Grace Ministries about 13 years ago. Actually, the Lord began the ministry. I was simply His vessel. In January, 1995, my husband of 13 years was diagnosed with AML ... Acute Mylogenous Leukemia. We had two boys, ages 5 and 7. We had just moved into a brand new home, and my husband had just been given a wonderful promotion at work. Life was perfect for my nice, neat family. Then ... life happened. In the matter of a few short months, my dream-life became a nightmare. The journey carried us through two very long years. There were extended hospital stays, bone-marrow transplants (yes ... plural ... there were two), financial concerns, familial disruptions. I could write a book chronicling the ups-and-downs, the hopes fulfilled and dashed through that season ... actually, I have written a book! A Bible study called "Living in the Light of Grace." The roller coaster ended on January 21, 1997 ... my precious husband breathed his last breath and went home to be with the Lord. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is death of one of His saints." That scripture from Psalms became a mantra for me. On January 23, 1997, my 15th wedding anniversary, I buried my beloved.

But that is far from the end of the story. The things I learned, the experiences God allowed have all shown me things I could never have experienced in any other way. I want to use those experiences, and the experiences He continues to carry me through to encourage others on this journey called life. I meet so many people who are discouraged and think all is hopeless. But I'm alive and WELL today because I have a God who is closer to me than my own breath. I walk hand-in-hand with a Savior who isn't distant or cold, but the very embodiment of love and care.

This ministry exists ... I exist ... to share the news that hope is still alive and thriving on planet earth. Although I am a mild-mannered teacher by day, God has called me to share the good news of hope wherever, whenever I can.

As I send this word out over what feels very "Orwellian" to me, I leave these words in the Hand of God, to share with those who need to hear. So whoever, wherever you are, I pray that God will use this simple posting to bring you encouragement for whatever you are facing today.

Be Blessed!