Drawing a line

It seems fitting that today, the first anniversary of Sue's home-call, I should draw a line under the blog and close it. It was useful as a means of broadcasting how we were, and testifying to the Lord's faithfulness; and there is a sense in which we could go on doing that at least - because He IS faithful, always has been and always will be. In that sense, it is good to mark the occasion today for that reason, because we have got through the first year with His help.

Today will be a quiet day for us, the four of us at home together; a day of memories, a day of sadness in one way, and yet a day of thankfulness for all the many blessings of the years we enjoyed together. Truly we have much to praise the Lord for.

Indeed, as someone said to me yesterday, is it wrong to think of today - in a way at least - as her first "birthday" in glory? For we believe that she is (as it says on her stone, and as the Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that he was willing to be) "absent from the body .. present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).

Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: Whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
…
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:12-23, 50-57

What a blessing to "have hope in Christ", and the salvation offered by grace through faith in Him alone, and to know that one day we shall see Him (and Sue) again.

Another song

I know that many readers would find it strange to find a song made famous by the Carpenters on this blog or any blog. But if the song - and perhaps the well-remembered voice - can be laid aside.... is it not a love-song? And is it totally impermissible to have a love for the Lord that can find expression in such words?

I WON'T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU
Paul Williams & Roger Nichols

Day after day I must face a world of strangers
Where I don't belong, I'm not that strong.
It's nice to know that there's someone I can turn to
Who will always care, You're always there.

When there's no getting over that rainbow,
When my smallest of dreams won't come true -
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without You.

So many times when the city seems to be without a friendly face
A lonely place
It's nice to know that You'll be there if I need You
And You'll always smile, it's all worthwhile.

When there's no getting over that rainbow,
When my smallest of dreams won't come true -
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without You.

Touch me and I end up singing -
Troubles seem to up and disappear.
You touch me with the love You're bringing
I can't really lose when You're near.

If all my friends have forgotten half their promises
They're not unkind, just hard to find;
One look at You and I know that I could learn to live
Without the rest, I found the best.

When there's no getting over that rainbow,
When my smallest of dreams won't come true -
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without You.

The sentiments of a well-known hymn by Annie Sherwood Hawks are very similar :-

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Refrain

May the Lord increase our love for Him, and our dependence upon Him.

Bring the rain

Although many others have linked to it, readers may like to have a look at the following blog :-

http://lazydranch8.blogspot.com/

Heather Davis lost her husband Eric a short while ago - leaving her with 6 children (four of their own and two adopted). Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in balance with her honest and tearful testimony to the heartache experienced, is a challenge and a blessing.

On her blog she says she has had various songs "in her heart" this week - and one of them is the following. You can listen to it on her blog....

BRING THE RAIN - MERCY ME
I can count a million times
People asking me how I can
Praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

(Chorus) So I pray...Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray...chorus

Gratitude to God

After all this time, I have no idea if anybody reads this now - but I thought I should post something today, to mark the day. It would have been our 25th wedding anniversary. So out came the album (I knew it was in the loft somewhere!) - and out came the memories .............

I've had three cards, and some friends that I happened to speak to on the phone said they were thinking of me; perhaps others thought, but (not surprisingly) didn't know what to say. Vera and I have shared some memories though, and we have got through the day. I suppose the words on the front of one card sum it up :-


Thinking of you ....
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7

Is there bitterness? No.
Is there jealousy of those who get to celebrate their silver, or gold, or ruby, or whatever anniversaries? None at all (even though my Dad managed TWO Silvers!)
Is there sadness? Not really.
Is there emptiness and hopelessness? Not at all.

Although not denying the harder times, I am just thankful for the happy times, the many blessings we were privileged to enjoy together. We had nearly 25 years of health and happiness, far more comfort and privilege than many have, many good friends, several lovely holidays (mostly in Cornwall!) - and of course two lovely daughters. When you think of all the marriages that fall apart so easily today (with all the consequent damage to children), when you think of all the marriages that are just empty shells "for public view only" (but all pain and heartache on the locked-in-inside), when you think of all those who are married but cannot have children, when you think of all those who would love to be married - but aren't...... I have so much to be thankful for.

We laughed a lot, we cried a bit. We enjoyed one another's company. We knew each other well enough to communicate with eye-contact, a lifted eyebrow, a blown kiss - and the comfort of simply walking hand in hand. And of course we worshipped the Lord together, we sang His praise together, and we listened to sermons together. Some of the best times we had over the last few months were listening to sermons at home, mostly on CD from our very good friend in the States - and sharing the blessings and comforts that true soul-food provides.

Am I sad? Only when I write something like this.
Am I fearful of the future? No.
Am I lonely? Sometimes - but I know that the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me. He will always be with me, until one day He calls me to be with Him.

As I said to so many after Sue's funeral - she is but gone ahead a little way. It is not an ending, but a parting; and the time between our anticipated reunion before the Lord, and now, is minimal compared to eternity. And then shall we be forever with the Lord, saved by His grace.

How good is the God we adore,
Our faithful unchangeable Friend!
His love is as great as His power,
And knows neither measure nor end.

'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that's to come.
(Joseph Hart 1712-1768)

Your goodness will be with me

Not sure if I am allowed to do this, but I can't hope to say it better!

Tim Challies (http://www.challies.com/) had this on his blog for today ....

01/01/08 Your Goodness Will Be with Me

I love the dawning of a new year. I tend to view life in “chunks,” in periods with a defined beginning and end. When driving home from Tennessee yesterday I inadvertently grouped the drive into pieces in my mind and felt relief and success with the completion of each portion—from Tennessee to Cincinnati, from Cincy to Detroit, and from Detroit to home. I do the same with periods of time, enjoying the beginning of one period and looking forward to reaching the end of it. A new year is an obvious period to focus on examining success in reaching goals and in looking towards new goals. I do not usually bother with new year’s resolutions. But I do see January 1 as a good day to focus on what I’d like to accomplish and what I’d like to prioritize in the weeks and months to come.

I went looking today for some guidance on how to approach a new year. I found myself reading a grand old Puritan prayer and wanted to share it with you. Taken from The Valley of Vision, this prayer is known as “Year’s End.” I adapted it slightly to change antiquated language to slightly more modern language. But this is as I would pray it today…and as I have prayed it today.

O Love Beyond Compare,
You are good when you give,
when you take away,
when the sun shines upon me,
when night gathers over me.
You have loved me before the foundation of the world,
and in love redeemed my soul;
You love me still,
in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.
Your goodness has been with me during another year,
leading me through a twisting wilderness,
in retreat helping me to advance,
when beaten back making sure headway.
Your goodness will be with me in the year ahead;
I hoist sail and draw up anchor,
With you as the blessed Pilot of my future as of my past.
I bless you that you have veiled my eyes to the waters ahead.
If you have appointed storms of tribulation,
you will be with me in them;
If I have to pass through storms of persecution and temptation,
I shall not drown;
If I am to die,
I shall see your face the sooner;
If a painful end is to be my lot,
grant me grace that my faith will not fail;
If I am to be cast aside from the service I love,
I can make no stipulation;
Only glorify yourself in me whether in comfort or trial,
as a chosen vessel suitable always
for your use.

What a beautiful prayer that is, that God would use us to further His purposes. Another prayer from the same book begins by saying “Length of days does not profit me unless the days are passed in your presence, in your service, to your glory.”

I received an email this morning and this was a suggested New Year’s text. I can hardly think of a better one for meditation on this day. It is Proverbs 30 and verses 8 and 9.

"Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God".

Oh that God would simply sustain us through another year, giving what we need rather than what we want, and giving only that which we can handle and that which we can use for His glory. May 2008 be that kind of year for you and for your family, and for me and mine.

The LORD is good....

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.

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!

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!