Or, to quote in full...
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him (Nahum 1:7)
A friend recently suggested that I should print out all the blog entries (and comments) made over the past year or so, for the benefit of friends and relations that do not have computers. Doing so, and looking back over the year, it has been a blessing to be reminded of all the goodness and mercy of the Lord. We have been blessed with the support of many praying friends; we have known what it is to be upheld through our season of trial; and the Lord has kept us at peace, and provided our rock-like firm foundation despite all the heartache.
The funeral went well, with an amazing number of relations friends and colleagues attending - somewhere between 170 and 180, with all seats taken and many standing. Although many could only come to the service, it was good to be able to renew fellowship with those who were able to stay for the refreshments and who were still there when the family returned from the burial.
Of course there have been ups and downs since Sue was called home, just over three weeks ago. During that period it has been lovely to have both girls home; we have had laughter and cuddles as well as tears and cuddles. But that time now draws to a close, as Hannah returns to Manchester tomorrow and Jess to Swansea at the week-end. The partings will be difficult.
But tomorrow brings a new day of grace, and a New Year of grace. It was no accident that, at the service we went to last night, one of the verses mentioned was one mentioned at our wedding reception nearly 25 years ago :
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5/6)
We have no idea what the future holds, a day ahead or a year ahead - but He knows, and He has planned it all. It is a blessing, not a problem, to be able to rejoice in the sovereignty of God! As a result, our role is to walk with Him into each new day that He gives us, knowing that He will lead and guide us and strengthen us as He sees our needs:
I know who holds the future
And I know He holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen
Everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow with its
problems large and small
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
Give to him my all.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Answered prayer
Isa 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.....
Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
One of the issues I mentioned in the last post was parking.
One apparently unrelated fact is that my sister works at Cheltenham College Junior School; another is the fact that the school has broken up for the Christmas holidays; and a third is that the school is very close to the chapel.
When my sister called round yesterday with some cards, we were talking about the parking problem; and she said that, on the way home, she would call in at the school and, if he was still there, ask the Headmaster if perhaps one or two of the family could park at the school to relieve the pressure on parking as well as providing comfort to those who would worry about finding a space again on returning from the cemetery.
His reply? something along the lines of "well, the school is closed, nobody much will need the spaces - have as much space as you like, I'll warn the Estates department, glad to help......"
Our God is SO GOOD!
For those unfamiliar with the area, try
http://maps.google.co.uk/
Type in ‘Naunton Parade, Cheltenham’ and when the map is displayed, click on the ‘Satellite’ button. This superimposes the satellite image on the street map and you get the street names displayed as well.
For what I hope may be a clearer picture, I show below a Google earth picture, which looks small but you should find that, if you click on it, it enlarges.
1. Naunton Parade (where the chapel is) is shown towards the bottom left corner.
2. The road that goes up from the bottom left corner to just left of top centre is Bath Road
3. The road that goes from top centre down to right centre is Thirlestaine Road.
4. The pale building on the right-hand side of Thirlestaine Road, set back a bit at a right angle to the road with several cars (including a red one) parked outside, and with a large grass area behind it (to the right in the picture) is the Junior School. The entrance to the school from the road is clearly marked; drive in and park.
5. Continuing away from Thirlestaine Road, the area in the picture that looks grassed in front of and to the side of the main building that you approach from the road is now all tarmac.
6. The large white roof (?sports hall) has additional parking beside it (to the left of it as you look at the picture, but to the right as you walk towards it!) - but this may be bollarded off.
7. Having parked in front of the main building, bear right to walk down the side of the new hall, where not far beyond it you will see a chain-link fence.
8. The road behind the fence is Kew Place, which will lead you (straight) back to the Bath Road, and then turn left along the road before turning left into Naunton Parade to get to the chapel.
Although not required by the school, a note with the following data displayed on the dashboard of any cars parked there might be an idea; unfortunately blogger won't let me type it up bigger in a pretty box!
And finally - thanks to all who have sent cards and emails. I will get my "thankyou letters" done after Christmas!
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.....
Psa 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
One of the issues I mentioned in the last post was parking.
One apparently unrelated fact is that my sister works at Cheltenham College Junior School; another is the fact that the school has broken up for the Christmas holidays; and a third is that the school is very close to the chapel.
When my sister called round yesterday with some cards, we were talking about the parking problem; and she said that, on the way home, she would call in at the school and, if he was still there, ask the Headmaster if perhaps one or two of the family could park at the school to relieve the pressure on parking as well as providing comfort to those who would worry about finding a space again on returning from the cemetery.
His reply? something along the lines of "well, the school is closed, nobody much will need the spaces - have as much space as you like, I'll warn the Estates department, glad to help......"
Our God is SO GOOD!
For those unfamiliar with the area, try
http://maps.google.co.uk/
Type in ‘Naunton Parade, Cheltenham’ and when the map is displayed, click on the ‘Satellite’ button. This superimposes the satellite image on the street map and you get the street names displayed as well.
For what I hope may be a clearer picture, I show below a Google earth picture, which looks small but you should find that, if you click on it, it enlarges.
1. Naunton Parade (where the chapel is) is shown towards the bottom left corner.
2. The road that goes up from the bottom left corner to just left of top centre is Bath Road
3. The road that goes from top centre down to right centre is Thirlestaine Road.
4. The pale building on the right-hand side of Thirlestaine Road, set back a bit at a right angle to the road with several cars (including a red one) parked outside, and with a large grass area behind it (to the right in the picture) is the Junior School. The entrance to the school from the road is clearly marked; drive in and park.
5. Continuing away from Thirlestaine Road, the area in the picture that looks grassed in front of and to the side of the main building that you approach from the road is now all tarmac.
6. The large white roof (?sports hall) has additional parking beside it (to the left of it as you look at the picture, but to the right as you walk towards it!) - but this may be bollarded off.
7. Having parked in front of the main building, bear right to walk down the side of the new hall, where not far beyond it you will see a chain-link fence.
8. The road behind the fence is Kew Place, which will lead you (straight) back to the Bath Road, and then turn left along the road before turning left into Naunton Parade to get to the chapel.
Although not required by the school, a note with the following data displayed on the dashboard of any cars parked there might be an idea; unfortunately blogger won't let me type it up bigger in a pretty box!
Attending funeral at Providence Chapel
Naunton Parade
Tuesday 18th December 12 noon
Parking by kind permission of
Mr Archdale
And finally - thanks to all who have sent cards and emails. I will get my "thankyou letters" done after Christmas!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Practical issues.......
We have now been able to finalise the funeral arrangements :-
Providence Baptist Chapel (Naunton Parade, Leckhampton, Cheltenham)
12 noon
Tuesday 18th December 2007
Followed by "family only" burial at Cheltenham cemetery at 1:15pm, while the friends at Providence provide light refreshments for a time of fellowship for those who wish to stay.
No flowers, but donations (either at the chapel, or via Mason & Stokes) to Macmillan Cancer Support.
TO THOSE WHO MAY BE THINKING OF COMING, PLEASE NOTE.......
(1) Seating
We are expecting a large number, and while the chapel can seat about 120 it is possible that late arrivals may have to stand. Our apologies.
(2) Parking
The chapel car park is quite small, and should really only be used by those who are unable to walk very far. There is a public car park on the other side of the Bath Road (access between NatWest Bank and the card shop)
BUT....
I had assumed that this car park would provide sufficient space for all wishing to attend the funeral. I have however just been advised that, although large, this car park is very busy, and spaces will be at a premium. This is of course made worse by the fact that family members wishing to come to the burial will have to lose their space and hope to find another if they come back to the chapel for refreshments. The only alternatives are either local residential streets, or the town centre car parks. PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO FIND A SPACE AND THEN FIND A SEAT AS NEITHER CAN UNFORTUNATELY BE GUARANTEED.
I would like to thank the many readers who have made blog comments and/or sent cards or emails of support; they are all much appreciated. Suffice to say that when people ask how I am, I just say "Philippians 4:7!" Sadly only a few know immediately what I am talking about, so I tell them to go and look it up! But it is true, and it is a privilege to be able to testify to the grace and mercy and goodness of the Lord at this time. Prayer is being answered.
Of course there are waves of tears, and the loss gives rise to other tensions that would otherwise blow over. We all deal with things in different ways; in part a matter of temperament, and in part having friends or relations available to talk things through with. But my mother-in-law Vera (84), who lives with us, will find it hardest of all; she has been with Sue all day over the past year (when the girls have been away at work/Uni, and I have been at work), and they have been "there for each other" through it all. So come January, when the girls have gone, and I am back at work, Vera will find it hard - so please pray for her in particular.
And of course, please pray for Tuesday, when we believe many unsaved relatives friends and colleagues will be at the service. May Sue's Saviour and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, be glorified in the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving that only a Christian funeral service can have.
"We sorrow not as those that have no hope"
Providence Baptist Chapel (Naunton Parade, Leckhampton, Cheltenham)
12 noon
Tuesday 18th December 2007
Followed by "family only" burial at Cheltenham cemetery at 1:15pm, while the friends at Providence provide light refreshments for a time of fellowship for those who wish to stay.
No flowers, but donations (either at the chapel, or via Mason & Stokes) to Macmillan Cancer Support.
TO THOSE WHO MAY BE THINKING OF COMING, PLEASE NOTE.......
(1) Seating
We are expecting a large number, and while the chapel can seat about 120 it is possible that late arrivals may have to stand. Our apologies.
(2) Parking
The chapel car park is quite small, and should really only be used by those who are unable to walk very far. There is a public car park on the other side of the Bath Road (access between NatWest Bank and the card shop)
BUT....
I had assumed that this car park would provide sufficient space for all wishing to attend the funeral. I have however just been advised that, although large, this car park is very busy, and spaces will be at a premium. This is of course made worse by the fact that family members wishing to come to the burial will have to lose their space and hope to find another if they come back to the chapel for refreshments. The only alternatives are either local residential streets, or the town centre car parks. PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO FIND A SPACE AND THEN FIND A SEAT AS NEITHER CAN UNFORTUNATELY BE GUARANTEED.
I would like to thank the many readers who have made blog comments and/or sent cards or emails of support; they are all much appreciated. Suffice to say that when people ask how I am, I just say "Philippians 4:7!" Sadly only a few know immediately what I am talking about, so I tell them to go and look it up! But it is true, and it is a privilege to be able to testify to the grace and mercy and goodness of the Lord at this time. Prayer is being answered.
Of course there are waves of tears, and the loss gives rise to other tensions that would otherwise blow over. We all deal with things in different ways; in part a matter of temperament, and in part having friends or relations available to talk things through with. But my mother-in-law Vera (84), who lives with us, will find it hardest of all; she has been with Sue all day over the past year (when the girls have been away at work/Uni, and I have been at work), and they have been "there for each other" through it all. So come January, when the girls have gone, and I am back at work, Vera will find it hard - so please pray for her in particular.
And of course, please pray for Tuesday, when we believe many unsaved relatives friends and colleagues will be at the service. May Sue's Saviour and Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, be glorified in the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving that only a Christian funeral service can have.
"We sorrow not as those that have no hope"
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ending time and beginning eternity
Sue Price
02.05.1956 - 09.12.2007
After the nurses came yesterday, Sue seemed ok (or at least unchanged) for a couple of hours. During the afternoon, however, her breathing changed noticeably - and then at 5:15pm, with just the four of us (Vera, Hannah, Jess, and I) round the bed - she was called home to be "for ever with the Lord".
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13 - 18)
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Still watching and waiting
Sue hardly stirs at all now, apart from when the nurses give her a wash (when she did open her eyes), and her breathing is quite shallow. But the Lord can keep her in peace, because she has made her peace with Him - at the cross of Calvary.
The day will come, the day of death,
The day planned long ago;
When, earthly ties released, the soul
To Heaven or Hell must go.
For some it comes quite suddenly,
No warning at life's end;
For others – weakness, tears, and pain
Their final months attend.
But none can say "I will not go,
I do not wish to die,
I've things to do, a life to live" –
We cannot God deny.
For each of us must give account
Of all we've said and done;
And how we've treated Jesus Christ
The Saviour, God's own Son.
He saves from sin and death and Hell –
He saves, and He alone;
No works of ours, howe'er sincere,
Can for our sin atone.
Prepare to die, then, while there's time –
You do not know the date;
Trust in the Saviour, cry for grace
Before it be too late.
The day will come, the day of death,
The day planned long ago;
When, earthly ties released, the soul
To Heaven or Hell must go.
For some it comes quite suddenly,
No warning at life's end;
For others – weakness, tears, and pain
Their final months attend.
But none can say "I will not go,
I do not wish to die,
I've things to do, a life to live" –
We cannot God deny.
For each of us must give account
Of all we've said and done;
And how we've treated Jesus Christ
The Saviour, God's own Son.
He saves from sin and death and Hell –
He saves, and He alone;
No works of ours, howe'er sincere,
Can for our sin atone.
Prepare to die, then, while there's time –
You do not know the date;
Trust in the Saviour, cry for grace
Before it be too late.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Still here
Thought it might help those dear friends in so many places who have being praying for us to know that Sue is still here - but asleep/unconscious all the time now. We are however conscious of a God-given peace prevailing in the household - a very great blessing from the hands of our gracious loving heavenly Father.
The nurses have been coming all this week to wash Sue, and top-up the medication, and they always leave her looking clean and comfortable. But one of the family visitors today (and we have been limiting it to "family only" since Monday) said that she thought Sue's breathing was a little more laboured. We also need to bear in mind that it is now a week since she has eaten; and several days since she has been awake sufficiently to be able to swallow. So we await a home-call - thankful for shared faith in a Saviour who said
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:1-3)
Do you ever think of Heaven?
Do you long to enter in
To the Father's presence glorious ,
To the place where there's no sin ?
Glorious courts where Jesus reigns now,
Seated at His Father's side;
Wondrous mansions where His people
Shall for evermore abide .
Do you ever think of Heaven?
Place of beauty, place of peace,
Where the praises of the Saviour
Shall for evermore increase.
For the Lamb is all the glory
Of those courts of Heaven above;
Jesus, Saviour and Redeemer -
Jesus, precious King of Love .
For the glory of that Heaven
Is that we shall see His Face -
Without shadow, without sorrow,
We shall know His close embrace.
Undeserving guilty sinners,
Saved by grace and sovereign might -
O we long for that great day when
Feeble faith gives way to sight!
The nurses have been coming all this week to wash Sue, and top-up the medication, and they always leave her looking clean and comfortable. But one of the family visitors today (and we have been limiting it to "family only" since Monday) said that she thought Sue's breathing was a little more laboured. We also need to bear in mind that it is now a week since she has eaten; and several days since she has been awake sufficiently to be able to swallow. So we await a home-call - thankful for shared faith in a Saviour who said
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:1-3)
Do you ever think of Heaven?
Do you long to enter in
To the Father's presence glorious ,
To the place where there's no sin ?
Glorious courts where Jesus reigns now,
Seated at His Father's side;
Wondrous mansions where His people
Shall for evermore abide .
Do you ever think of Heaven?
Place of beauty, place of peace,
Where the praises of the Saviour
Shall for evermore increase.
For the Lamb is all the glory
Of those courts of Heaven above;
Jesus, Saviour and Redeemer -
Jesus, precious King of Love .
For the glory of that Heaven
Is that we shall see His Face -
Without shadow, without sorrow,
We shall know His close embrace.
Undeserving guilty sinners,
Saved by grace and sovereign might -
O we long for that great day when
Feeble faith gives way to sight!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Brief update
It has been a long week, but the Lord has been faithful and we have known a remarkable sense of heaven-granted peace in, and among, the family. I am so grateful to God that Dr Morison thought to suggest that the girls came back early, as I don't think Vera and I could have managed on our own. As it is, we have so far declined the offered external night-care and managed the night-shifts between us.
Since the last post earlier this week, Sue has been asleep/unconscious most of the time. There have been a couple of "events" (an incorrectly-fitted syringe pump, which meant no medication for 12 hours,and quite a disturbed night... and a kinked-therefore-blocked catheter tube....) but all has calmed down again now. The nurses have been in every day to give Sue a wash, and Dr Morison called again today to see how we were.
He thinks it will be hours rather than days now - and then, although he would never express it in those terms, and it is not up to him, Sue will be called home to glory, "to be forever with the Lord".
Since the last post earlier this week, Sue has been asleep/unconscious most of the time. There have been a couple of "events" (an incorrectly-fitted syringe pump, which meant no medication for 12 hours,and quite a disturbed night... and a kinked-therefore-blocked catheter tube....) but all has calmed down again now. The nurses have been in every day to give Sue a wash, and Dr Morison called again today to see how we were.
He thinks it will be hours rather than days now - and then, although he would never express it in those terms, and it is not up to him, Sue will be called home to glory, "to be forever with the Lord".
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Not too good now
A brief update to let you all know of the deterioration that has taken place in the last few days.
Following the stay in hospital on Wednesday/Thursday, Sue seemed OK for most of Friday and Saturday while in bed asleep. On Sunday a friend came, and she managed an initial greeting but then relapsed into sleep. It became however increasingly difficult for her to take her many tablets; and movement also seemed more painful - particularly the stairs up to bed. Walking from the bedroom to the bathroom had become a very slow shuffle.
On Monday morning, I therefore got one of a pair of spare bunk beds down from the garage ready for her to get into when she came downstairs - thereby signalling to me at least that she would be unlikely to go back upstairs again. We already had a commode downstairs.
Matters really snowballed from there. First one of the district nurses came to give Sue a wash; but as she could see that Sue seemed comfortably asleep, and she could not manage to wash while asleep on her own, she went away again. Then two more came later, on a support visit; they had a look, had a chat, and then went back to the clinic to report to the GP. He then came to see for himself (as well wanting to see how Vera and I were managing); and then he went and sent the two nurses back down again.
As a result:-
* they have taken Sue off all her tablets, and replaced them with a cocktail of various medications in a pump-driven syringe that they will come and top-up every day
* they have replaced our old bunk bed with a brand-new hospital bed that lifts and tilts etc
* two nurses came in today to give Sue a wash in her sleep
* they have offered a "night-sitting facility" if we would like it
In addition, the GP asked when Hannah and Jess were due home; and when I said not for another couple of weeks, he suggested that it might best to get them home earlier - not even waiting until next weekend. As a result, they both arrived yesterday - so we face the next few days together.
Looking to the Lord for promised daily strength.....
Following the stay in hospital on Wednesday/Thursday, Sue seemed OK for most of Friday and Saturday while in bed asleep. On Sunday a friend came, and she managed an initial greeting but then relapsed into sleep. It became however increasingly difficult for her to take her many tablets; and movement also seemed more painful - particularly the stairs up to bed. Walking from the bedroom to the bathroom had become a very slow shuffle.
On Monday morning, I therefore got one of a pair of spare bunk beds down from the garage ready for her to get into when she came downstairs - thereby signalling to me at least that she would be unlikely to go back upstairs again. We already had a commode downstairs.
Matters really snowballed from there. First one of the district nurses came to give Sue a wash; but as she could see that Sue seemed comfortably asleep, and she could not manage to wash while asleep on her own, she went away again. Then two more came later, on a support visit; they had a look, had a chat, and then went back to the clinic to report to the GP. He then came to see for himself (as well wanting to see how Vera and I were managing); and then he went and sent the two nurses back down again.
As a result:-
* they have taken Sue off all her tablets, and replaced them with a cocktail of various medications in a pump-driven syringe that they will come and top-up every day
* they have replaced our old bunk bed with a brand-new hospital bed that lifts and tilts etc
* two nurses came in today to give Sue a wash in her sleep
* they have offered a "night-sitting facility" if we would like it
In addition, the GP asked when Hannah and Jess were due home; and when I said not for another couple of weeks, he suggested that it might best to get them home earlier - not even waiting until next weekend. As a result, they both arrived yesterday - so we face the next few days together.
Looking to the Lord for promised daily strength.....
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