Update 6/4: ~Lyn Coody~Flowers for a friend

6/4 (Fri)
Spoke with Marie.  She said Hospice told them Lyn would not live through Thurs night,
but she did!  It was Lyn's birthday and Marie told me so many friends sent Lyn, cards,
balloons and flowers.... so many beautiful flowers.

Darwin's procedure is rescheduled for this coming week.

Please continue to pray for Darwin, Marie and Marcia.  That's what Lyn would want.

Still not ruling out a miracle.  Only God knows his plan for us.

5/28 (Fri)
Marie said same news as last week, no change.  Darwin's procedure rescheduled for another week.
Please continue to pray for this family we love so much

5/21
Update on Lyn.... I spoke with Marie Friday afternoon.  It was not a good day.
Lyn was in severe pain. 

Hospice is doing everything possible to keep her comfortable.

Marie said they don't need any food, just prayer.  Lot's of prayer!

From my previous communications with Lyn, I know HER prayer is for her parents.

She is ready to see Jesus, but she is more concerned about the grief her family will experience...
Isn't that just like Lyn?

Darwin is having a heart procedure this week, so he needs prayer as well. 

It is very stressful for Lyn's parents to see her suffer this way.

I'm sure cards and letters would be appreciated.

Time heals all wounds - Tears are a language

Sometimes it seems to take forever for me to understand the purpose in my life.  Today, God answered so many prayers in spite of severe pain, that it was almost too much for me to take in.

The most significant answer came in a simple ride in a car my brother bought for Jenna.  Most of all, it was so wonderful to have about 15mins to quietly talk and enjoy the fresh air.

I really didn't pay attention to half of the places we passed.  I just enjoyed my best friend from childhood.

Song: Tears are a language (with lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdv2bMbJk

The Unknown Road

One night someone talked me into getting on a road we found and just keep driving to see where it took us, then try to find our way back.  I don't remember exactly where it took us, and I don't recall whose car we were driving... therefore, I do not even know which of us drove!  (I think she did, because she is the one that got the bright idea!)

Needless to say, being in my sophmore year of college, neither of us had a reliable car... at least the weather wasn't bad.  It was a crisp fall evening, my favorite season. 

Evening turned to black before we got back, but what an adventure!  We laughed as we curved around open roads with absolutely nothing around us... just barren land.  Maybe she remembers the exact location, but I do know it was north of Mercy Hospital and with the growth, it must have some new home or business there now.

I met her when I was in the third grade.  We had to move away from the east coast, but we moved back in the middle of my Jr year of high school.  She and I picked up like we had never been apart.  She had plans to attend the same college I decided on when I was in Texas... yep, good 'ole BNC/SNU!

We only had about 8 months before she would be leaving.  She lived in a 3rd floor townhouse in the town where I attended Vo-Tech school and I lived on a farm about 30 miles away!  We packed so much into those few months

We've had many "life lessons" and may have learned more, than through our education. 

We've been parted and reacquainted so many times since then.  We've laughed and cried, seen lives destroyed and miracles happen.  We shared experiences so different and yet similar during the same period of time, we prayed for Jesus to come back!

Song: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqx78xd8nU8&feature=related
(I don't know this artist, but I found it to be beautiful)

There is a long road behind us and more unknown roads to come, who knows what great adventures lie ahead? 

Can't wait to see you soon friend.

"He is with you"

As the rain continues to fall, and communities around us are effected by the tornado's that occurred Monday..... I realize we are only in one tiny corner of the world. 


I cannot think of a single person in this entire world that is not associated in some way with poverty, illness, devastation, loss.... the list goes on and on and on.  We ALL hurt.... whether it be physical pain, grief, stress, we all hurt in some way.


Sharing this video by Mandisa... "He is with you".  The words express the various hurts in this world, but assure us there is HOPE for everyone on earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2WRjwgsOdo&feature=fvw


Blessings!

Stained Glass Masquerade

I love stained glass. My favorite part of our church are the stained glass windows. 

When we first moved to Bethany, they gave tours of the church and told stories of how and why the windows were created.  I have forgotten the details, but I am reminded of the beauty.

Our choir, referred to as the "Cathedral Choir" sings with the windows reflecting behind them.  What a blessing!

My brother took the most beautiful picture of a stained glass window reflecting against a lit Christmas tree at our Uncle's Memorial Service...
http://www.lightsmithphoto.com/pixelpost/index.php?showimage=168

Recently, I have been blessed by two different ministries who tell stories of stained glass better than I ever could...

Stained Glass Masquerade ( Live ) - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvuB0ZPCnNE

Westmoreland Ministries... "Stain Glass" New Reformation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJim1EDfeGE

LeAnn... this reminds me of your beautiful artistry and how God has used you to bless my life!  God's blessings upon all of you who have used your gifts to minister to us!

Flowers for a friend ~ Lyn Coody (Updated 4/18)

We have been praying for you.

We want you to know we love you and wish we could be there, or better yet, that you could be here with us.

If you know Lyn and wish to leave a note, prayer or scripture, please post a comment. She will be seeing these notes periodically.

If you are in communication with Lyn some other way, please continue to use that method.

Tears are a language, God understands

Tonight so much is going on.  Too much to write about. 

I am well and blessed beyond measure tonight, but so many others are not.


All I can think of is this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdv2bMbJk

Song: I Surrender All (CeCe Winans)

This is CeCe's anointed and magnificent rendition of a powerful hymn entitled "I Surrender All". This is from her award winning debut album, "Alone In His Presence".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IAz9artoBw

God said "No" (received by a relative)

YOU HAVE TO LOVE THIS

I asked God to take away my habit
God said, No.

It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness..
God said, No.

I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.

You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things
that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.

I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

THIS DAY IS YOURS
DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,
'To the world you might be one person,
But to one person you just might be the world'

'May the Lord Bless you and keep you,
May the Lord Make his face shine upon you,
And give you Peace......Forever'

'Good friends are like stars...
You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

Please turn to page 133 in the hymnal (original Nazarene hymnal)

If my memory serves correct, the page number was 133 (it may have been 333, I'm not sure)... but the song was "Grace, Grace, God's Grace".

I didn't pay much attention to the song because my name was Grace and I felt that somehow, focusing on my name would be disrespectful of God.

In more recent years, the book, "What's so Amazing about Grace" intrigued me.... but, again I placed it in the back of my mind thinking that reading this book would be focusing on myself instead of God.

How foolish am I!

My name is a reminder of some of the most beautiful times in my life and it is OK with God.

-I was named after my Grandmother Grace.
-One of my earliest rememberances is of that song, "God's Grace".
-My neice's middle name is Grace after both my grandmother and myself.

I'm sure I will be editing this list as time goes by. The name Grace is regaining popularity in this generation.

Check out Wikepedia for the definitions of Grace, or any other means you use to research.

God's Grace: A few hundred pupils proclaiming God's grace!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HfDmXyFN1Y

Amazing Grace: (The Blind Boys of Alabama)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1tOVd4PCk

Calm before the storm

'til the storm passes over, 'til the thunder sounds no more
'til the clouds roll forever from the sky
hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of thy hand
keep me safe 'til the storm passes by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKWggfV2tVg&feature=related

Boastfulness

Oh, I know what the bible says but, she's my niece...

Jenna's "invention" was featured at the Science Fair yesterday.  Her invention was shown on the Channel 9 news last evening. 

I couldn't see her face, but I could recognize the voice and had some "inside" information about the project.

So proud and yet so sad, the lazy days of school vacations are over.  Gone is the time of trying to find something to fill up the time when we are together.  The time is so precious.

Now, her schedule is so full, I have to make an appointment to see her!  Friday evening we are going to dinner together and gladly her parents are tagging along. 

It's been so long since I've been together with Jim and his family.  I just can't wait!

Whenever you're in trouble

http://www.donny.com/video/all/whenever_youre_in_trouble

Nothing for me to say today.

Traveling Mercies

A friend is going on a trip...  the kind of trip I've never been able to make, but hope to someday.  If I don't hear your voice before you leave, I am praying for it to be everything you've been praying for. 

And, you know, when you return and I have the details I will be revealing your name here. (wink and smile)

For those of you who don't know who this is... just pray for safety and rest.  Before, during and after the trip.

Free to be me

Long day.... Cox tech repaired phone outlet in kitchen and I got one box unpacked.  Now this would take a normal person about an hour, but me, well...

If it has pictures in it, I can't stop looking at them.  This box contained the belonging off my desk from work, so there were many.  Buried in the bottom of the box was the only high school annual I have seen in years.  I put it aside to look at later.

No good, I couldn't go to sleep until I fanned through the pages.

I am so tired, but wanted to post something light before I go to bed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSQjSdU8VA
(Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me)

Lymphedema

So I can stop explaining...

Definition: Lymphedema
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema

If you have lymphedema, I highly reccomend the following specialists...

Cardio-Vascular Specialist: Dr. Branislav Schifferdecker
Treats Lymphedema
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS314US314&q=dr+branislav+schifferdecker

Previously known as Mercy Heart Hospital: OCA
http://www.ocaheart.com/

Lymphedema Therapist: Don Landis
http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Landis_Don_34685495.aspx

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS314US314&q=don+landis+lymphedema

Thanks for your prayers, Grace

Oooops! I forgot.

Jesus take the wheel

Jesus take my blog

Clutter

As I clear the clutter in my mind, I am gradually organizing some things in my apartment.  There's a long road ahead, but I'll make it.  I heard it said somewhere that if I do just one thing more today than I did yesterday, it will make a difference.  I'm seeing a small dent in the surface.

It's true, what they say.  Sleep deprivation does make you dumber.  I am so tired and in so much pain, one would think I could just drift off to sleep.  Balance is what I need.

The pain medicine works for awhile and I think everything is fine.  It doesn't make me sleepy but helps me get through the phone calls, appts and challenges as I go through this journey.  I can smile awhile, and even laugh my head off at jokes friends send me, but then it comes back and there I am again, unable to sleep, getting dumber and dumber all the time.

I have been trying to reach my supervisor for weeks trying to find out who I am supposed to contact regarding my disability.  There have been so many changes, I can't find the current HR mgr.  Every rep I talk with knows him and agrees to e-mail the message, but no return.  Then it dawned on me.  He had one kidney transplant before I started working for him and needed another.  He passed out on us during the time I was going through the severe anemia and had not yet received the current diagnosis.  I pray he is ok.

Couldn't get it off my mind.  Left a message for Gary's mgr, the VP over me who also had a pituitary tumor at the same time!  I called back to the call center today and went through all the menu's to get to a representative to explain it was not business related.  I explained my concern, no reply from the rep.  Makes me even more concerned,

Gary's brother died during this same time and Jerry went to the funeral.  He wasn't supposed to come back to work that day, but so blessed by the service, he returned to tell us in spite of his own battle.  So, I left a message for Jerry with the representative.  Still no reply.  Knowing the dedication of these 2 men, I can guarantee, if they were both well and available, I would have heard.

Please pray for these men and thier families.  Whatever is happening, I know God will hold them up.

So many times I wonder, why, WHY did this happen to me?  I wanted to make it to the 30 year mark which would have been 2009... last year.  The year of an abundant amount of grief.  Seemed like more than our share.

Gary stood in my hospital room when I was at my worst and told me only to think of my health.  My job would always be there.

Being discharged from the hospital, the nurse needed the information for my mail order prescriptions.  Gary was not in, so reluctantly I called the VP.  Jerry was more than happy to help.  He expressed concern and faxed the paperwork to the nurses station while we were still talking,  Then the bomb hit! 

He asked me if I knew I was out of family medical leave.  NO, I didn't know.  I was supposed to have 3 weeks left to get through a hysterectomy.  I didn't know that every Dr appt, physical therapy session and temp part-time return per Dr orders was subtracted from FML.  He told me he had to reassign my job. 

I tried to remain calm, while explaining that Gary told me I would always have a job.  Jerry told me he was sorry, but every employee had to be treated equally.  We hung up and then I burst into tears! 

The nurse walked in to take vitals.  BP and blood sugar skyrocketed!  She asked me what medication I needed to calm down so she could retest in 30 mins.  I don't remember what we decided on... the list was so long.

My discharge was delayed over the weekend.  I hate hospitals!

I was there every time I could when my Dad went through his battle with leukemia.  That's the only place I wanted to be.  I even worked split shifts so that I could relieve Mom in the afternoons and went to the hospital the next morning before work to check on him.  I layed on the floor between his bed and Mom's cot the night we thought we were going to lose him.  Then watched with wonder and joy at the miracle God gave us the next morning when Dad asked for a sandwich.

It was my parent's 25th anniversary.  They had always dreamed of a trip to Hawaii.  Instead, we had the celebration in a little room off from ICU.  I had redecorated thier original cake topper with silver and called Skaggs-Albertson's to see if there was any way they could make a small 3-tier cake on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of an ice storm to be ready for the next day. 

Several people from my parent's Sunday School Class called and offered to bring Punch and cookies.  The nurses were arranging the coffee.  Dad always walked the halls and made sure there was fresh coffee for them as long as he could and they knew it was his favorite beverage.

The next day was dark and dreary, the ice storm had stopped, but the temperatures kept the ground frozen.  As my brother and I carried the 3 cake boxes along with the columns across the ice and secured them in my little car.  Jim hugged me, told me to drive safely and told me he would meet me in the hospital parking lot.

When I arrived, Jim was already there with a hospital cart.  We arrived in the little room to set up.  The ladies from the church had arrived before us.  The nurses had prepared the tables before they arrived.

Happy and joyful for our miracle, but weary, so weary Jim and I helped set things up.  Jim left to check on Dad and returned to tell me that the son of Dad's barber was cutting Dad's hair!  Dad wanted Bob to cut it, but I believe he had a solo in the service that morning, so he sent his son.

The elevator doors opened as a few of the Sunday School class members arrived.  I greeted them and then went to check on Dad, needing to use the restroom.  The nurses were helping Dad into a three piece suit, weaving tubes in and out, laughing as they kept tangling in a maze.  Mom was already dressed in the most beautiful outfit she had.  A dark, floral, mid-length skirt with a white lace blouse with ruffles around her neck and at the cuffs.  She had a sprig of  baby's breath in her hair and had the most beautiful smile and glow.  It was worth it, the small occasion we had planned.

Jim and I walked down the hallway together to await thier arrival to the little celebration.  Gradually more and more people from the Sunday School Class came trickling in from the cold and fog.  So dedicated, these precious friends.

I noticed some people from the news station get off the elevator and head for the nurses station.  One of the nurses whispered in my ear, "We called them".  Oh no, I thought.looking down at my dress and the weight I had gained during this ordeal (and they say the TV adds 5-10 more lbs)!  I was too tired to care.

Everything was ready.  The first thing I saw was the camera man walking backward down the hall way as Mom and Dad turned the corner together.  The nurses were wheeling Dad and making sure the tubes weren't getting tangled in the wheels.

Jim leaned over, arm across my shoulder and jokingly said something to the effect of, "I know it's a slow news day, but this is sooooo embarrassing"!

It was unbelievable the number of people who came, including some of  Dad's team of Dr's.  At one point the crowd was so large that it caused the ICU automatic doors to keep opening and closing.  Finally the head nurse on duty in the ICU had to ask some of the people to leave for the protection of the other patients
who needed rest and weren't getting it due to all the noise.

Many times I wonder why God brought me to the low places in my life.  It's true what I've heard.... "We'll understand it better by and by".... Now I understand the importance of sleep.  To heal the body and the soul.

Letting Go

As I sit here, watching the weather, glancing at the clock, over and over thinking I shouldn't even be on the computer.  I'm supposed to be on the road for a Dr appt. I just had to type a note to say God is changing me. 

There's been too much grief in my life recently and I have to let it go to stay here among the living.  It's time for laughter and smiles.  It's time for healing.  Oh how God knows my heart and how friends have blessed my life. Too many to mention.

My nephew forgave me for words uttered in haste, meant with sincere intention, but typed when I was sleep deprived and had no business being on the computer for any reason.  I can rest now. I am at peace, he is at peace and it doesn't matter what the world saw.  It only matters that God know my heart and his heart.  Oh, my precious nephew, the first on my mother's side, I love you dearly.   Too many things I want to tell you of.  But, it doesn't matter.  You already know them

God had to forgive MY heart before I asked of his.  He did, and it's enough, it's enough.

Had a wonderful Sunday dinner with my Mother, God is healing our relationship.  Baby steps, but I feel a healing coming on.

According to the weather report, I have exactly enough time to get on the road and get home safely before the next storm.  Praise you Jesus... Thank You for answering my prayer.

Amen.
Grace

Friends in all sizes

On a previous post, I mentioned I would tell you how I met one of my younger neighbors.  I hear a lot of noises in the breezeway of my little studio apartment.  Sometimes muffled conversation, the mailman and maintenance people coming and going, but most of the noise comes from the staircase... bumping, things dropping, laughing, crying (sometimes, the children cry too!).

When there is laughter on the staircase, I usually know who is creating the noise that always brings a smile to my face, because of the way I met her.

Soon after moving into this apartment, I was still adjusting to the new and different noises and getting aquainted with new neighbors.  I barely knew anyone except the manager and her husband who is also the maintenance man.  I also knew my neighbor across the hall because she is the mother to friends of my sister in law's mother.  (I'll have to write another blog of how they have blessed my life recently.)

One night, I had just drifted off the sleep at about 11pm when a knock came at the door.  Since it is such a small apartment (about the size of a hotel suite), I can call out from my bed "Who is it?" and usually hear who it is.  A clear voice rang out, "It's me".  I jumped out of bed to answer the door for my niece (okay, I hobbled to the door) when it dawned on me, my niece was 11 at the time.  No way would she be at my door that time of night, or somebody in the family would be with her, or call first, something! 

I asked again, "Who are you?"  "It's me... can you please open the door?"  I looked out the peephole, nothing.  Tried a different question, "What is your name?"  Na-TA-lee. Sounded a little slurred, about the age of 13-15.. female.  I replied, "I'm sorry, you have the wrong apartment".  I heard her knocking at other doors, so I got back in bed, dosed off again and woke up to another knock about 11:20pm.

This time she was begging to come in.  Again, I thought the speech was a little slurred.  It sounded like she was trying to cover up by talking very slowly and distinctly.  My paranoia kicked in. My mind went back to living in a 2nd floor apartment at this same complex about 30 years ago.

That time, it was a teenage male who said, "You don't know me, but I need to come in and use your phone".  Long story, short... once he knew I was awake, he wouldn't go away.  He refused my offer to call someone for him, he refused to go to the fire station next door, or the convenience store down the street.  He really started to scare me.  He would knock at the other 2nd floor apartments, but never the first floor.  He would leave our section only to return.  His knocks and pleas to come in my apartment intensified and he was standing to the side of the door, so I couldn't see his face through the peephole.

I went to my bedroom, locked myself in and called the police.  The dispatcher could hear him banging on my door and wouldn't let me hang up until the police arrived.  A few minutes later, I heard a voice yelling, "What are you doing?  Get out here now... I said, NOW!!!!"  It turned out, this was a teenager driving his Dad's brand new truck while drinking.  He had wrecked the truck after jumping the curb and slamming into the chain-link fence at the back of our parking lot. 

The manager told me the next day, that this guy had been in every section of all 3 buildings, knocking at only 2nd floor apartments.  The voice I heard calling him downstairs and away from our building was an off duty security officer who had recently moved in to the complex and had been called by another tenant.  The police were actually at the door of a girl I had known in college, who was very athletic and had her baseball bat ready for the guy if he knocked her door in!  The police department had received about 3 calls and were already on thier way when I called.

Poor kid, I bet he didn't get to use his Dad's car for a while after that. 

(Side-note: I know how much trouble I got in when my Dad met up with my Old Testament professor who asked how I was feeling?  Yep, me... skipping old testament class.  Dad didn't mention anything about it, but a few days later I called to borrow the car and my Mom told me Dad was not there, but she could guarantee I wouldn't be borrowing the car for a loooong time.  She informed me of Dad meeting up with the professor.  Just one disadvantage of going to college with your Dad!)

Anyway, that is why I was a little paranoid about this girl at my door.  The age, what sounded like slurred speech, the continued return to my apartment.  On the other hand, it broke my heart.  She sounded exhausted.  I could hear her body slide down to the floor beside my door, "please, please, let me in".  I could hear something scraping against my door.

I called the police and explained I was new to this complex and although I didn't feel in danger, I was unsure about opening my door to a young teenager at this time of night.  They said they would send someone to check on it and hung up.  A few minutes later I heard an adult, female voice saying, "Are you locked out?" and then suddenly a male voice at my door saying, "Grace, are you okay?"  I opened the door knowing the male voice was our maintenance man and then could hear the his wife (the manager) upstairs talking to an adult saying she thought the girl was locked out.

The manager came downstairs and listened in as her husband explained they intercepted the police call from the scanner.  He was telling me I did the right thing and his wife was nodding behind.  She told me the girl was not locked out, the door was wide open.  She was just bored and decided to go visiting.  Apparantly, she kept returning to my door because I was the only one that was responding to her.

They left and I realized I didn't ask the girl's age.  The next day, I met up with my neighbor across the hall who let me know that Natalie had been in her apartment visiting earlier that night.  She said they visited and watched TV for awhile.  She gave her a plastic cup with some peanuts to snack on and then told her it was time for bed and sent her back upstairs.

She went on to tell me she was glad the manager had been able to intercept my call to the police, she didn't want the little girl to get in trouble.  I finally asked how old the girl was...  "5 years old".  I was shocked and felt horrible that I had not let this little girl into my apartment for safety.  What if she had gone outside and wandered away? 

Later, I found out she was dressed to go outside.  She had her jacket on and apparantly some of the scratching I heard on my door was the zipper to her jacket and then the empty plastic cup that held her peanuts.

About 2 weeks later, there was a bag of cookies attached to my door with a note from Natalie and her mother, along with thier apartment number.  Her mother and I were aquainted soon after and now we have each other's phone numbers, just in case.

The reason I thought I was hearing the voice of a teenager speaking very clearly and distinctly at an attempt (I thought) to cover slurred speech, was because she had never been talked to like a little baby.  As soon as she could talk, her family spoke to her in regular voice.  Just like my niece!

I constantly have to stop talking "baby talk" when I tell my about something cute she said or did as a toddler.  Otherwise, she will start talking back in the same voice which wouldn't make her very popular as a 7th grader!

Natalie now knows that I am the lady that wouldn't let her in my apartment, but she also knows that if she needs anything she can come to my door.  When I first met her, I apologized and she said, "Oh, it's okay.  I understand."

When she sees me, she always something to say, some story to tell me and always a smile that just makes my day.  She is almost 2 years older now and still brings "laughter in the walls".

(Laughter in the Walls is a book written by one of my favorite authors, Bob Benson.  It was a thin book of easy reading, and as I recall mostly about his children.  He was a quiet gentle man who could say so much in so few words.  I wish I had his talent.  He would have written this story in about 4 paragraphs, maybe less.  Most of his books are out of print now, but if you ever see this one, grab it.)

Here is an excerpt from the book that someone else posted and says it all....  too soon children grow up.  All the rooms are empty, but the laughter and memories are still there.
http://www.cathye.com/dadlaughterinthewalls.htm

And a song, for my friend, Natalie... "I am a promise (I am a possibility)" by the Gaither Trio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL3adt7K58M

Music and prayer for rest - Update: Lyn Coody

Lyn sent a short note to let me know she is having trouble sleeping and that it has been  progressively getting worse this week.  I've received several messages this week with very similar requests... "pray that I can sleep", pray that I get quality rest so I can do quality work during the day", "pray for my mind to slow down so that I can sleep" and even my own, "pray that I will adjust to medication changes that cause more pain and difficulty sleeping".

We've all been there, although Lyn is probably the most ill.   I think we can pray better for requests that we have felt ourselves, so remember to especially pray for Lyn and her family to get good quality rest so they can be supportive of one another.

I love the lyrics to this song Mark Lowry sang called "Rest in the arms (of God)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJxzZbL0zJk

In searching, I found a lot of scripture, praise music and melodies set to beautiful nature videos that I find to be restful, so I will be adding more of these as I come upon them.  (Some are just video and sounds of nature.)

Amazing Grace-video set to piano music:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-WZ4WoZvPc&feature=PlayList&p=A653B4FB639C0D07&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=23

Sleepy sounds of beach waves:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5dRLPieKoE&feature=related

Gentle Rain, soothing sounds of nature:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgG4vDfcJek&feature=related

Relaxing Music (Piano):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94HYEe1bOFU&feature=related

Relaxing Piano Music (song: One Angel's Hands) set to butterfly video's:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0VJBvaO5G4&feature=related

You raise me up (to more than I can be):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFC4god31o&feature=related 

Tonight, as we settle in for another storm, rest in the arms of Jesus.
Grace

Living Tribute ~ Lyn Coody

It's difficult to write this, but in the light of so many of my friends and family going to heaven before me... I feel we should start giving tribute to the living... while they are still here.  To know how much we love them, how much they helped us in our journey and that whomever God chooses to take first, we'll know that our last handshake here on earth, really was not our last.

I can't wait to meet my loved ones in heaven.  To have endless time to sit and reminisce about all the good times past and an eternity to make memories of all the good times to come.

I really don't know Lyn that well and when you consider our off and on meetings through the years, we really haven't known each other that long, but when I heard that she was sick again, I felt I had to get a message to her, so I sent a message through facebook.  I imagined that she was not able to talk much since her last post to facebook mentioned being very tired visiting with cousins, but "it's been worth every minute".

Our original meeting was through our parents over Thanksgiving dinner.  My parents had just moved next door shortly after my father was diagnosed with leukemia so that he could be closer to the church.  To be perfectly honest, I was not looking forward to this meal very much.  I really did not know this family since I didn't live with my parents and was busy with odd shift work at the phone company.  I had also been warned that their neighbors had a non-traditional meal of quail.

My Dad was a hunter, and through my childhood we ate a lot of meat that Dad hunted.  Eating "bunny" just broke my heart and the large game Dad hunted just didn't taste good... it tasted "gamey".  At any rate, I had been raised to be grateful, appreciative and keep my thoughts to myself.  So, as the dutiful daughter, I crossed the yard with my parents for Thanksgiving dinner.  I imagine my brother was there as well, but probably left after dinner to join his friends in watching a ballgame on TV.

Imagine my surprise when we walked in to the aroma of a wonderful meal.  The table was set beautifully and we were introduced to the Coody's daughter, Lyn who was already setting food on the table.  There was much conversation and explanation as to how this became their traditional Thanksgiving meal as the food was passed.  Last was the turkey, I mean quail.  It reminded me of cornish hen cooked in a sauce.

I have to say, it was the best meal I have ever eaten at Thanksgiving.  Lyn's dad, Darwin knows how to hunt and her mom, Marie knows how to cook.

Dad and Darwin probably talked about hunting the rest of the day, and although Lyn and I were in the living area where our mother's were talking away, we had our own little conversation getting to know about each other as much as you can in a couple of hours. 

We were invited back the following Thanksgiving and I really looked forward to it.  Lyn and I had not seen each other that year, but continued our conversation, mostly catching up on our employment.  I believe Lyn's sister was there that year.

Years went by, and the only news I had of Lyn or her sister were in conversation with Marie.  Darwin and Marie spent a lot of time visiting at the hospital and the house through my Dad's illnesses.  There were times that they were out helping me find Dad's dog, or preparing the outside faucets for the dreaded freeze that was coming.  I remember Marie calling a couple of times when she knew I was house sitting with the dog and inviting me to dinner.  Such a nice, helpful family. 

They prayed with us for Dad to be granted a healing from this terrible disease and the ill effects of the treatment.  I remember asking Marie once, "how do I know if God's answer is no?"  (I knew that the ultimate healing was heaven, but selfishly wanted my Dad with us as long as possible.) 

Marie told me, God himself would let me know when it was time to let go and she went on to tell me of her little boy.  She prayed for him to be healed.  One day, while holding him on her porch, she felt God let her know, it was time to let go.

Through the years, as I've prayed for friends and family to be healed, I've thought of the conversation I had with Marie.  I've prayed that God would help me "listen" as I prayed, so that I could "hear" his answer.  Although the answer is not always what WE want, it is the answer just the same.  That time came with my father.  Dad kept saying he was going "home" and I knew he didn't mean "the house".  There was such peace, no more pain or suffering... and the JOY of knowing we would meet at God's house the next time we met.

Soon after Dad's death, our pastor's wife started a bible study on Wednesday evenings.  I was going through a difficult situation at work and the bible study came just in time.  I had difficult decisions to make.  The first evening I walked in, there was Lyn talking to some of my friends.  They had known each other better and longer than Lyn and I, but we all sat at the same table and as the weeks progressed, we all seemed to become prayer partners, at that table.

The first night, Jeanne asked all of us to write down a prayer request.  It could be as personal and specific as we wanted because, nobody including her would see them.  They were put in a box and we prayed over the box for each request inside, but at the end of the sessions, the box was burned along with our burdens.

I had already shared with Lyn most of what was happening before we did this, but she was the only one who knew.  She kept it private, but each week would reach over to me to see if things were better and I'm happy to say, although the situation was still tough, my decision about how I should handle it became easier as the weeks went on.  I came to a decision, that if it took giving up my job to keep my christian integrity, I would.  God blessed me beyond measure... I never had to leave my job.  In fact, I was rewarded on three occasions after that for work above and beyond anything I ever could have imagined.

I only saw Lyn a handful of times after that, but I always thanked God for this friend who had come into my life when I needed a friend who knew and believed in the power of prayer.  The next big decision I had to make was regarding whether or not I should move out of state to keep my job when our OKC office closed.

Memories of conversations with Marie and Lyn, as well as their prayers came flooding back and I knew that in the most difficult times of my life, God had always been faithful.

The next Sunday, as I walked down to my "usual" seat, the choir was singing "Great is thy faithfulness".  We were to let our supervisors know our final decision the next morning.  For the next 8 years, I lived and worked in Jacksonville, FL and never had a doubt, I was in the right place for that time.

My first Sunday back in Bethany, I was walking down the sidewalk with my Mom and Lyn was walking toward us.  Mom stopped and said, "Grace, I forgot to tell you Lyn had a kidney removed recently" and we both waited as Lyn assured us with a bright smile that she was feeling better than she had in a long time.  I've seen Lyn off and on through the last few years.

Last Sunday, I heard the news that Lyn's name was on the prayer list as having cancer.  I immediately checked facebook and could tell there had been very few entries in or out,  Lyn's most recent entry implied that a group of her cousins were visiting and she was happy but tired.  Her info page indicated she was now living with her parents and had stage 4 renal carcinoma.

I knew she must be very sick and may not feel like talking, so I sent a private message with my phone number.

Lyn replied,  "Thanks for the prayers. I am stage 4 and very critical,  but not quite ready for hospice. So we are making the most of the GOOD days and doing our best on the others..

I am not on fb much and I don't make many phone calls... just don't want you think i am ignoring you or anything... but I will stay in touch as best I can.  My stamina is down to just a few minutes." (Lyn Coody January 19 at 7:55pm)

I replied with a few sentences letting her know I understand, but mainly I would be asking my blog readers to pray for her as well.... "I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending up prayers on your behalf. If there is anything specific you would like my readers to pray for, just let me know. Otherwise, I am asking prayers for a "friend" unless you tell me it is okay to list you by name. (Grace Smith January 19 at 11:11pm)

Lyn replied back to let me know it was okay to use her name as well as an additional prayer request for her family, "You may use my name. Thanks for the prayers, friend, and for Mother & Daddy, care-giving for a child is hard enough but Mother just turned 85 years old. I do covet your prayers, friends!" {{{{{hugs}}}}
(Lyn Coody January 21 at 1:17pm)

My last message back to Lyn, "I pray tonight for peace, rest and comfort. I know this must be a difficult time for all of you. You are a special child of God. I don't understand why you have to go through this, and I know God can still heal you.  Again, I am available for whatever you need.... even "how" and "what" you wish for in the way we pray."  (Grace Smith January 22 at 9:06pm)

Lyn may not have the strength to reply again, but we can all continue to pray as she has requested.  You can send comments to Lyn and her family at the end of this post.  She will see them when she refers to the blog.  If you are a close friend or family member, continue to communicate as you have been.  I am only doing this as a way of getting news out to friends, such as myself, that did not realize Lyn's health was declining.

We love you, friend!

I hope you enjoy this song: "Home"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBQazCC5K8s&feature=related

Pray for Lyn Coody

I can't type much tonight due to itchy, allergy eyes.... but I just received a note from Lyn to continue to pray for her and with her permission to list her name.

I will write more about Lyn in my next blog, but we met through our parents who became neighbors in 1980 or 1981 soon after Dad was diagnosed with leukemia.

We came to know each other better through a singles bible study a few years later.

I can tell you, Lyn is a beautiful example of what a christian should be.  I have no doubt she has sent up many prayers on our behalf, and now is the time for us to pray like we've never prayed before, for our friend Lyn.

Answered Prayer

Today is a better day... received 2 answered prayers, but still praying for a friend who is very ill.  I don't feel free to mention the name because I have not communicated with the family yet.  Please continue to pray with me.

No other news and no songs come to mind today.  Getting a little light cleaning done.  Hoping to sleep better tonight.

I hope all of you are doing well.

Let me hear from you when you have a moment.  You can comment here or on facebook.

Make it real - Link and Lyrics included

So much going on in the lives of so many friends.....

I'm praying for good news while waiting for the test results of one friend due today and found out another is now living with her parents because she is in stage 4 renal cancer.

While I continue to pray for the needs of my friends and family, I regret being able to keep in touch with all my friends as I would like.

Right now, I find myself drained and feeling as if my prayers are not getting through. 

I sent the lyrics for this song to someone earlier today, who made the request, "I want so much to just feel a bit of his presence....a bit of SOMETHING!"  As the day progressed, I'm feeling a need for myself as well.  So "Make it Real" will be the song of the day for my blog today.  I imagine many of you have felt the same at times.
=========================================

Make it real (Lyrics by Suzanne Gaither Jennings)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSk-JuzlmtI
to hear Mark Lowry sing this song
--------------------------------------
I've seen alot of crazy things done in your name, I know the tricks behind the magic show

I've almost thrown the towel in a time or two and walked away from everything I know

But I can't fill the emptiness inside of me, or calm the troubled waters of my mind

So if you're really out there and you're listening, then prove to me that those who seek will find
----------------------------------------
Chorus

If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are

If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart

I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel

I need you to make it real
--------------------------------------
There must be some good reason why you brought me here through valleys where the shadows hover close

Down here, there's a mask to cover every face, your sweet face I long to see the most

So if you think there's just the slightest hope for me, In spite of all my questions and my doubts

Then let me hear your still small voice speak out my name, And let me know what others talk about
---------------------------------------
Chorus

If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are

If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart

I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel

I need you to make it real
======================================

One day at a time, sweet Jesus (includes song)

Dear friends and family:

Please continue to pray for the John Griffis family.... for his wife: Saundra, his children:  Matthew, Rachel, Isaac and Hannah, his parents: Jay and Marilyn, his sister: Dawn, and all the extended family and friends who love John's family.

I am posting this Kris Kristofferson song today as my prayer for them.  Nothing can be said, that has not already been said.  Although each of us have been touched by grief in some way, at some time in our lives,  nobody grieves the same, takes the same amount of time to heal or knows how the other one feels.

Whether you know this family or not, just lift them in prayer, that God will bless and heal each individual in this family, as only God knows thier need.

Also, continue to pray for my Aunts and cousins who lost husband's and father's this year.

Song: One day at a time, sweet Jesus
(Recorded at Kennedy Center by Gaither Singers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz_QfUzf_V8

For my cousins, you may want to go back to my very first blog in archives for 2009, Saturday, December 19th.... "Just words until the music plays" and then under seperate title, the song: Knowing you'll be there.

I started this blog out of grief and tribute for Uncle Ray, Jim's friend, John and Uncle M.H.  Herb, you mentioned once in a phone call or facebook about starting to pick up the phone to tell your Dad something and "Knowing you'll be there" mentions that very thing.

God Bless,
Grace

God will make a way (includes link to song)

I'm back!  I wish I could tell you how busy my life has been and why I haven't posted for almost 3 weeks, but all I can tell you is, I just haven't felt like it.

After Jim made it safely home from our Uncle's memorial service, I thought life would go back to normal.  There would be Christmas Eve and Christmas with the family, then some after Christmas sales where I hoped to pick up some badly needed towels in a new color scheme. 

As it turned out, the weather mentioned in my previous blog, didn't allow for that.  There was enough of a break that I was able to get to the pharmacy for a refill and pick up a few necessities.  Then the weather turned so cold and windy,  I just had to stay inside again.

It was clear enough and warm enough for me to house sit with my neice's little dog, "Goofy" for a short weekend while they went to Dallas with friends.  On the way over, I stopped at Chik-fil-a and picked up a couple of salads.  One grilled chicken with the low-cal vinagarette and then my old time favorite, the chicken strip salad with the original thousand island.  I ate one chicken strip while it was hot and then refrigerated the rest for later.  "So good"... I hadn't tasted  anything fried in a long time and Chik-fil-a is the best!

I left my laundry in the trunk, but made sure to bring in the blanket that Goofy and I use to cuddle up together in front of the TV.  He is normally not allowed on the furniture or in the bedrooms, but Lori said as long as he was on the blanket, I could hold him on the furniture.  I tried to catch her off-guard and get permission for him to sleep on the bed with me as long as the blanket was there... nope, Lori heard exactly what I said and didn't fall for that!  No problem, I usually end up falling asleep in the living room with Goofy on top of me anyway.

The tree was still up and beautifully decorated, but I couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on. so I cuddled up in my warm fuzzy gown and slippers, under the blanket with Goofy and started watching a Christmas movie.  The laundry could wait until the following day. 

As usual I dozed off during the movie and woke up to Goofy sleeping on his own pillow bed.  I had only missed about 45 minutes of the movie, so I was able to rewind on the DVR and still watch the rest.  I wandered to the kitchen to eat the rest of my salad and then started feeling sick.  I thought it was the combination of the fried chicken, the salad roughage and the high fat dresssing that I had not been eating for awhile.  Since Goofy seemed content to sleep on his bed, after his "healthy" snack of baby carrots, I went to the bedroom as soon as the movie was over and watched something on regular cable until I fell asleep.  I slept until the sun woke me up..... it was 11 am!

A beautiful day to get the laundry done and enjoy the comfy furniture, big screen TV and play with Goofy...
but oh, I was sick.  I never did bring in the laundry and I never did anything, but sleep and watch TV the whole weekend.  Goofy seemed to sense I wasn't well.  He would bring one of his toys over beside the chair and play by himself.  I called Jim's cell phone Sunday evening to see how far out they were.  He said they would be home in about an hour.  I didn't make it.  About 30 minutes later, I had to get home.

I slept away about 2 more days at the apartment and everything was fine, so I guess I may have picked up a stomach bug.  The apartment had been neglected far too long and was a mess with boxes, bags, paper, ribbons and gifts yet to be given.  But,  I had an "excuse".... we still hadn't been together as a family to have a chance to open gifts.  I realized I had not seen Jim or Jenna since the Thursday before the accident of Jim's friend and hadn't seen Lori since before then. (Before Thanksgiving)

Anyway, we finally were able to gather together at Mom's house this Monday evening.  Jim brought in chinese food which was really good.  We were all talking at once about everything, anything and nothing at all.  It had been so long, it was kind of crazy.  But we opened gifts, had an indoor paperball fight and then Jenna had the dubious task of cleaning up the mess that her daddy and I had made, along with her.  She and Jim took it a step further, with a game of trashbag basketball.

Lori, (thank you) cleared the rest of the dishes off the table and cleaned the kitchen.  I said something about picking out a color scheme for my bathroom when Lori mentioned she had some things she had used in her office at SNU that I might like.  She brought them in, and they were perfect.  Part of the pieces I can use in my living room and the rest match with the color scheme I was thinking of  for the bathroom.  She and Jenna loaded them into my trunk and off we went. 

I'm sure Mom was a little down that she was left with a quiet house after all the laughter and chaos that had been there just moments before.  On the other hand, maybe she was glad she was able to retreat back into some peaceful quiet.  I need to call her in a minute, we didn't talk all day yesterday, which is unusual for us.

Well, there you go.  No reason I haven't updated in awhile. Just life!

Last evening and this morning were spent preparing for the quarterly extermination.  I'm in a lot of pain and dread the days ahead that I need to spend cleaning so that I can enjoy the new decor for my bathroom. 

Oh for the days when I lived here 30 years ago and could run back and forth to the laundry room at the community center and then run up and down the stairs taking out trash and bringing in groceries, then running back to the community center to move the laundry to the dryers, visiting with neighbors in between... not to mention working full time, going to the hospital to see Dad and selling something (AVON, Home Interiors, House of Lloyd... whatever was hot at the time!)

Now, I'm one of the tenants who the younger ones look out for. Occasionally, one will take a bag of trash out of my hands, have it down to the dumpster and make it back before I even make it out of the driveway!  I now live on the first floor as a "disabled" person while hearing my young neighbors and thier children running up and down the stairs.. sometimes laughing, sometimes fussing, sometimes crying, yet always helpful and kind when they see me.  I'll tell you another time about how I met the little girl upstairs the first time.  She always has a story to tell me and sometimes I find cookies taped to my door, made by she and her mother.

It's like a family here, this little community.  I'm happy to back here... in the good days and in the painful ones.  God will make a way, however long it takes.

Song: God will make a way
Sung by Janet Paschal with Vestal Goodman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsJY48WI3T8

Music Video by Janet Paschal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAz7K72a8ks