Revelation 19:1–21 (Continued)

August 23, 2013

After hearing about all the destruction happening to the evil and people on earth, the response of the "great many people" in heaven was this:

"Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord) Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and right."

In their righteousness they understood what was happening on earth was true and right. Sin was punished. Accountability happened. Those who had done evil received their just punishment, by God not man. Again they said:

"Hallelujah!"

And the twenty four elders and four living creatures said:

"Amen, Hallelujah!"

Then a voice from the throne said:

"Praise our God, all you who serve him and all you who honor him, both small and great!"

And then a great multitude of people (our loved ones who have went before; and you and I) shouted out, sounding like the roar of rushing water (I'm remembering the deafening roar of Niagara Falls) and sounding like the loud reverberating sounds of thunder saying:

"Hallelujah! Our Lord God, the Almighty, rules. Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory, because the wedding of the Lamb has come, and the Lamb's bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear."

(Fine linen means the good things done by God's people.) Then the angel said to John, "Write this:

'Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!' "

These are the words of God. John bowed down at the feet of the angel, but the angel said, "Do not worship me—worship God, because the message about Jesus is the spirit that gives all prophecy."

Then John saw the heaven open, and there before him was a white horse.

Revelation 19:11–16 - "The rider on the horse is called Faithful and True, and he is right when he judges and makes war. His eyes are like burning fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no one but himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven dressed in fine linen, white and clean, were following him on white horses. Out of the riders mouth comes a sharp sword that he will use to defeat the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will crush out the wine in the wine press of the terrible anger of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his upper leg was written the name:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." 

Wow! There is no other way to write that then word-for-word out of God's Holy Word. Unlike the counterfeit rider of the white horse in Revelation 6:2, this rider is called Faithful and True; a name we cannot understand; the Word of God; and KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! And we are with Him as He descends from heaven and makes war with the beast, the false prophet, and the kings of the earth. 

Christ is victorious, the armies of the earth are destroyed, and the beast and false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, to remain there for 1000 years. The thousand year reign of Christ is about to begin.

From Life Lesson:

"Here is the big difference between victory in Christ and victory in the world: A victor in the world rejoices over something he did... but the believer, rejoices over who he is—a child of God, a forgiven sinner, an heir of eternity...

Nothing can separate us from our triumph in Christ. Nothing! Our triumph is not based upon our feelings, but upon God's gift. Our triumph is based not upon our perfection, but upon God's forgiveness. How precious is this triumph! For even though we are pressed on every side, the victory is still ours. Nothing can alter the loyalty of God... it is not something we do. It is something we are." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado

It is ALL about Him. When it is all about Him, we can respond to HIS judgments with happiness and praise, because we know He is Faithful and True and He judges fairly.  There are NO mistakes.  He is: 

 

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  

Amen.


Next Entry: Revelation 20:1–15

II Corinthians 1:1 – 2:4

April 03, 2013

God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives and it is always twofold: 1) for us; and 2) for others.

Paul tells the people in Corinth, "God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us." Paul goes on, "We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living. Truly, in our own hearts we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from the dead. God saved us from these great dangers of death, and he will continue to save us. We have put our hope in him, and he will save us again. And you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us—that God blessed us because of their many prayers." (II Corinthians 1:8–11)

When "the storm" first started, it felt very overwhelming in many ways. How could a sister and brother-in-law do this? There were physical, financial, emotional, and time requirements. We can now look back at all that was involved with the lawsuit and say "thank goodness for the lawsuit" because while we believe the Lord has promised us His protection from it, the single most important thing He saved us from was self-sufficiency. And that is what Paul is saying, "This happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God." In our culture we are taught it is a good thing to be self-sufficient, but there is nothing more dangerous or contrary to Scripture than "self" being in charge. We are to be God-reliant NOT self-sufficient. In ALL things—dependence on God.

The greatest danger we faced was ourselves, and God saved us (and continues to save us) from that trap. Our hope is in HIM. He will save us from the trap set by others. I have written, "Tell the story!" by this section. We must tell the entirety of His story throughout this process. I'm pretty sure I have shared this part before, but clear back when we first realized we were supposed to tell God's story, I wondered how in the world it could be done without telling the messy and petty details of the lawsuit. Then a year or so ago, as I was in the shower and thinking about God's story, I literally laughed out loud when I realized HIS story has nothing to do with the details of the lawsuit!!

What an amazing journey this has been!! Our hearts are honest and sincere. (I Corinthians 1:12) We have no ulterior motives. Our consciences are clear. Everything we are and have accomplished is because of God's grace and not earthly wisdom. II Corinthians 1:22 - "He put his mark on us to show that we are His, and he put his Spirit in our hearts to be a guarantee for all he has promised." Amen. Thank you, Jesus.

From Life Lesson: God's comfort and deliverance are certainties, even in the middle of difficult trials. We can confidently rely upon him as we make our plans.

"God is good and all-knowing... nothing catches him by surprise. God knows... he is working." ~ From On Eagle's Wings by Dave Veerman

Next Entry: II Corinthians 2:5–17

Acts 12:1–25

November 29, 2012

Songs running through my mind in the middle of the night:

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me, 

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Hea'vnly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the Living Bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised,

In my Father's house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Listen to it here.

Jesus Paid It All

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

Listen to Jesus Paid It All (O Praise the One) here.

There is one more.  I think I could start a Hymnal!  :)

I Love the Lord

From Psalm 116 

I love the Lord for he heard my voice

He heard my cry for mercy

Because He turned his ear to me

I will call on him as long as I live.

I love you Lord for you heard my voice,

You heard my cry for mercy

Because you turned your ear to me

I will call on you as long as I live.

Lord you are gracious,

Lord you are righteous

Lord you are full of compassion

Lord you protect the simple-hearted

When I was in great need

You saved me.

Be at rest, O my soul

For the Lord has been good to you

Be at rest, O my soul

For the Lord has been good to you.

For you O Lord have rescued my soul from death

My eyes from tears

My feet from stumbling

That I may walk before you

In the land of the living.

I love you Lord for you heard my voice

You heard my cry for mercy

Because you turned your ear to me

I will call on you as long as I live.


Next Entry: Acts 12:1–25 (Continued)

Acts 7:1 – 8:1a

November 23, 2012

The leaders have just (falsely) accused Stephen of speaking against Moses and God. They went out and found people to lie about him. And now the high priests ask him, "Are these things true?" Stephen replied: Listen to me! Then he summarized their Jewish history that is found in the Old Testament. He started with the promise God gave Abraham. He talked about Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Stephen showed how repeatedly God blessed, and how repeatedly the Jewish people rebelled against God. Stephen pointed out that they were doing the same things as their ancestors. Acts 7:51 - "You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts to God, nor will you listen to him! You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you, just as your ancestors were." He went on: "Your ancestors tried to hurt every prophet that ever lived. Those prophets said long ago that the One who is good would come, but your ancestors killed them. And now you have turned against and killed the One who is good." (Acts 7:51–52) Notice he said "is"—present tense not past tense. God had given them His words, but they refused to obey them.

The leaders were furious! How dare he point out their failures. Acts 7:54 - "They were so mad they were grinding their teeth at Stephen." Instead of accepting the message of truth from God's messenger, they chose to deny the truth and kill the messenger. Just like their ancestors before. They took Stephen out and stoned him to death. Stephen looked to the heavens and said, "Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right side." (Acts 7:56) Standing at God's right side—not sitting at God's right side. This is the only time in scripture that it refers to Jesus "standing." Jesus is actively involved in His followers' lives. Stephen was "full of the Holy Spirit" and Jesus wasn't just sitting around thinking, "Oh well, what will be will be." He cared, and He was actively involved, which is what gave Stephen the strength to face what he was facing, to see the Hand of God working, and to feel no anger or revenge. Acts 7:59–60 - "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... Lord, do not hold this sin against them." After he prayed this prayer he died.

On May 01, 2008, Jane's POA, my husband and I were gathered around Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) bed. Jane was dying. Jane's POA and I were on the right side of her bed, and my husband was on her left. Earlier in the day (while it was just Jane's POA and I) Jane extended both of her arms straight up towards the heavens. Now it was evening, and my husband was standing on her left side. She kept pointing upward. She would look at my husband and then towards the ceiling, then back to my husband, then to the ceiling again saying, "Go up!  Go up!" I'm convinced that Jane—full of the Holy Spirit—was seeing the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, walking with her through the dying process until it was time for, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Addendum:  3/5/16 ~ The words of the song We Will Not Be Shaken kept running through my thoughts last night. Stephen was not shaken. That song was followed by How Great Thou Art. Stephen's earthly death took him into the very presence of his Savior and he was able to immediately experience the greatness of God.

We Will Not Be Shaken 

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.  

Though the battle rages we will stand in the fight
Though the armies rise up against us on all sides
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.

For in the hour of our darkest days
We will not tremble we won't be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us HE has overcome.

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken. 


All those against him will fall
For our God is stronger
He can do all things
No higher name we can call for Jesus is greater
We can do all things

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken. 

Listen to it here.

Listen to How Great Thou Art here.


Next Entry: Acts 7:1 – 8:1a (Continued)

Luke 24:1–53

October 12, 2012

Remember!! Luke 24:6 - "Do you remember what he told you?" Luke 24:44 - "Remember when I was with you?" Our Pastor always says not to forget in the dark what you were told in the light. It may "sound(ed) like nonsense" (verse 11) but believe Him—and remember.

After Jesus arose from the dead He was walking with two of His followers. As they walked He explained everything to them. Luke 24:27 - "Then starting with what Moses and all the prophets had said about him, Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the scriptures." This verse is a great argument for why the Old Testament is important to read. Jesus himself used it to explain what was written about HIM. When we read God's word, the Holy Spirit reveals God's truth to us. Read. Pray. Remember. Luke 24:45 - "Jesus opened their minds so they could understand scripture." He does the same today.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, "He raised his hands and blessed them." My mind immediately flashes back to Jane. (Her Name Was Jane) She didn't just hold my hand and pray a prayer of blessing. She took my hand in hers and raised our hands together. She held them high over our heads the entire time she prayed that incredible prayer of blessing on my life. I will never forget that moment. At the time I didn't understand the significance of what she did. I later learned that Jane did not have the personal strength to raise her own hand/arm above her head let alone hers and mine. She barely had the strength to raise a spoon to feed herself.  It was a true blessing from God prayed through Jane's lips.

Remember!!


Next Entry: The New Beginning: Tell His Story

Mark 1:1–45

July 05, 2012

Matthew focused on who Jesus was—His lineage, His birth, and His teachings. Mark focuses on what Jesus did as the servant of God—Jesus as a worker. There is no lineage and no description of His birth. Mark is to the point, giving us brief descriptions of Jesus as the Servant/Son of God.

Jesus. He came to serve.

Mark, to make sure people understand that Jesus is the one who was prophesied about, quotes Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Mark briefly describes Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist and the temptation by the devil when He was sent into the wilderness. Then he gets right to it by showing us the things Jesus did as Servant/Son of God.

Jesus begins to call His followers and He tells them the same thing He later told them after His resurrection and what He tells us today. Come. Go. Tell. In that order. Jesus begins His ministry. He forces out evil spirits (who knows he is God's Holy One); He heals many people; He showed His compassion, touching the sick and healing the diseased. He knew why He was sent to this earth and He went about fulfilling His mission. He was a servant. He was doing His Father's work.

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has many notations written in the margins throughout her Bible. She also has many handwritten notes on little pieces of paper "stuck" in different places. Here are some of her notes I found in today's writing. Sometimes it takes me a while to decipher her writings because she would often use short hand. The rest of this page is entirely from her notes.

Over-comer Truths - Dr. Larsen

I John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Peter, James, John—God wants each of us to be an "over-comer." An over-comer is what the "normal" Christian life should be—"climbing mountains for Him." In our time, the average Christian life today is not "the normal." The normal Christian life is "out and out for Christ." Jesus Christ must be LORD and be first in our life. "You must put me first, seek first the kingdom of God." "Make me first a cake" said to the widow. Abraham put God first. He walked with God. Only through obedient faith and putting God first can we experience fullness. Faith will be tested (as it was with Abraham). The agony of obedient faith.

"Prayer is not just asking God for things. It's far bigger and better than that. At its deepest level, prayer is fellowship with God: enjoying His company, waiting upon His will, thanking Him for His mercies, committing our lives to Him, talking to Him about other people as well as ourselves, and listening in the silence for what He has to say to us." ~ From The Faithful Christian by Billy Graham

"Casting all care upon Him" He careth for you: I Peter 5:7; Psalm 145; Psalm 107; Psalm 78; Amos 4:13; Psalm 56:3; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:4–6 

"Way" Series: Psalm 23; Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 1:6; Psalm 32:8; John 14:6; Job 23:10. He knows the way that I take. "All my fountains are in you." Psalm 87:7  Romans 6:13 - offer members of your body as instruments of righteousness.

John 8:47 - He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. See Psalm 34:4, 22; 37:4

Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. See I Kings 17 - Elijah and the widow.

Luke 14:33 - Any of you who do not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. See Psalm 52:9

Fear not my child. I know how to care for what belongs to me. 365 promises! One for each day—Feat Not!

Genesis 22:17 - I will bless you... and through... because you have obeyed me.

Not everything in Christian life is Joy, Joy Joy—it can be agony also. Genesis 22:3, "Early next morning" Abraham obeyed. If Christ is Lord, we do not say NO! You can't say NO! and Lord together.

My responsibility is to do what he tells me to—obedient faith "we will come back." God promised a seed. Dad—where is the Lamb? God will provide! He does all things right. Do we love anyone or anything more than Jesus? (Sports, Career) Do we have an Isaac, a competitor in our lives we love more than God? Jesus must be LORD! First!

Addendum: 1/19/16 ~ Jane was a student of the Bible. I just went back and looked up all the verses she had written on the little scraps of paper tucked into Mark 1. Amazing. Oh, how I still love to read her "messages."


Next Entry: Mark 2:1–28   

A New Year: A New Beginning Is Coming

Written July 01, 2012

Excited! Beyond excited! Two reasons:

1)  One week from today my husband and I are heading back to the Appalachian Trail. It's been five years. We were hiking the Appalachian Trail when we received word that my sister and brother-in-law refused the sale of our joint project, and our lawyer felt they were probably going to file suit against us. Faxes and phone calls with our lawyer were going back and forth; we cut our trip short and headed home. Our hearts were sad. We were in a state of shock and disbelief as the truth about my sister and brother-in-law's hidden agendas and ulterior motives began to be uncovered. There was anxiety over all the unknowns coming our direction. There was concern over what the future would hold.

We started going to the Appalachian Trail the year I turned 50. Hiking the trail is something we love to do. However, my sister and brother-in-law did indeed file a lawsuit (2007) and we haven't had the time or money to go back since. I had totally put the trail out of my mind, thinking it wasn't going to be a possibility again until after the lawsuit was over. Then very unexpectedly, the doors opened up for us to go back. So, next Sunday we will be leaving for the Appalachian Trail and we will be spending the 5th anniversary of "the storm" hiking the Appalachian Trail. Woo Hoo!!   

The people going back to the trail are quite different than the people who left the trail five years ago. We are going back without sadness; with acceptance and understanding; with peace of mind and contentment; with joy in our hearts; with thanksgiving and praise on our lips; and complete confidence in WHO holds our future. We are so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to go back.  As my husband says—it won't be pretty. When our feet hit that well-worn path the tears will be flowing. This time it will be tears of joy overflowing from a heart of praise. I don't know why, but I somehow feel this isn't just some random opportunity. I strongly feel that being back on the trail during the five year anniversary is where we are supposed to be. Everything will have come full circle. Maybe it will be when we find out what goes on to trial, or better yet, that it is over. Or, it might just be marking the beginning of five more years. It doesn't matter. We just know we are supposed to go, and we are going.

2)  Today was the ONE service on The Hill. We invited both of our lawyers to come. Our lead attorney wasn't able to come but his partner and her husband came. What a great day. It had never occurred to me to invite them until our lead attorney called one day this spring and told me he was driving past our church and saw a big hill "that had ____ (my husband's) and ____ (our son's) name all over it." I told them the story of The Hill and about God's timing and God's plan. During all the time we were building it we had never told our lawyers about it. It was during the busiest time of the lawsuit. In man's eye we should not have been able to accomplish what we did. But, this wasn't "man's" job. This was God's plan, His timing, His strength, and His Glory. What a thrill to be able to share it with our lawyer and her husband. The theme this year was "I Surrender." It was a "white-out" with everyone wearing white.

How fitting that the theme was "I Surrender." Exactly what we have done. Surrendering brings freedom. Our hands are open. We surrender ALL.

Written July 02, 2012 ~

The words to "Amazed" keep running through my mind.

Lord, I'm amazed by You
Lord, I'm amazed by You
Lord, I'm amazed by You
How you Love me.

You dance over me  (From Zephaniah 3:17)
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound

How wide
How deep
How great
Is your love for me

Listen to "Amazed" by Desperation Band (here).

LORD, I am amazed and overwhelmed by your love. First and foremost, I am grateful for the saving grace you provided with your death on the cross. I'm amazed and grateful for your Holy Spirit who leads us and guides us. LORD, I am amazed by You!

Addendum: 1/1/16 ~ A New Year: A New Beginning. I have the benefit of knowing what happened when we went to the Appalachian Trail back in 2012. I can't wait to get to my journal entries so I can record them here. No, the lawsuit didn't end, but the memories of that time still overwhelm me to this day. And how amazing that I get to transcribe these entries from July 2012 on this the very first day of 2016. The Lord is faithful! He has surpassing greatness! His will WILL be done. We praise HIS Name. 


Next Entry: Matthew 27:1–66

Matthew 17:1 – 18:14

June 1, 2012

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus' appearance changed. His face became bright like the sun and His clothing appeared white as light.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. Just imagine! Talking with Jesus!

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus in the present. Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus from their future. Someday we will meet Him face to face from the past. Whether past, future, or present—just imagine—meeting and speaking with Jesus face to face. You just have to love Peter's reaction. His first response was to break into action, to "do." He wanted to build them all a tent. Isn't that what we often want to do? Sometimes God doesn't want us to be busily "doing." He just wants us to "be." Be still... and KNOW that I am God. A cloud covered them, and out of the cloud spoke a voice. Matthew 17:5 - "This is my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!" Before we "do" we should listen and "be." When they heard the voice they were afraid. Jesus went to them, touched them, and told them, "Stand up.  Don't be afraid." Then Jesus begins to tell them about His death.

When they came back down the mountain, a man brought his sick boy to Jesus. The disciples had tried to heal him but they were unsuccessful. Jesus spoke the words and the boy was healed. His disciples asked, "Why couldn't we do this?" Jesus answered that their faith was too small. "I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you." (Matthew 17:20) It isn't about demanding things we want. It is about searching for and understanding God's heart. It's about taking His truth, believing it, and putting it into action. It's all about God and what HE wants. It is NOT about us and what we want unless what we want lines up with and mirrors what God wants.

"To the One who sets on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever." Revelation 5:13

The disciples didn't get that. They started asking who would be the greatest in heaven. What does that matter? ALL honor, and ALL praise, and ALL glory, and ALL power belongs to God. Jesus answered them by saying, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children... the greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who make himself humble like this child." (Matthew 18:2–4) You have to make yourself humble like a child. It does not come naturally. We need to understand the

God 

↓

Man

relationship. God IS God—and I am not. We "make" our self humble by giving up our self and humbling and surrendering ALL to God. Jesus goes on and tells about the importance about not doing anything that would cause an innocent child who has not been tainted by the world to sin. Sin will happen. Matthew 18:7 - "But how terrible for the one who causes them to happen!" How terrible! Get rid of whatever is causing you to sin. Get rid of it! Put safeguards in place. Make yourself accountable to someone else. Do whatever it takes! Humble yourself like a child. DO IT!!

Addendum: Today is the Settlement Conference.  There is so much I want to say this morning but I don't have the time to write it right now. When I get back I will write about the call we received last night and where God sent us to read in one of my old journals.

My notes about the Settlement Conference are in my next entry. But now, to finish what I didn't have time to write this morning. If you have read other parts of my journal you know that we have always felt that we were to memorialize in a tangible way the faithfulness of God during this now nine year faith journey we have been on. In the Old Testament God told the Israelites to take stones from the Red Sea and the Jordan River and to set up a memorial for the themselves and the generations to come. From those references we knew we wanted to do something with stones. We've talked about how our whole family, from the oldest to the youngest will come together to gather stones. We've talked about engraving the promises God gave us through Jane (Her Name Was Jane) on the stones. And then, almost exactly one year ago while I was reading about the Feast of Shelters, we KNEW what we were to do to memorialize what God has done!! (See Nehemiah 8:1–18 – Feast of Shelters)

So, we started to plan. How would we build it? What would it look like? We wanted something simple for both the cost factor and the purpose but most importantly for the purpose. We wanted something that pointed to what God has done and not something that distracted from what HE has done. I found one design that I loved, but then decided that wasn't it. I then came up with an idea for a much simpler design with very simple construction. We found a local Amish man who cuts wood using timber peg construction like they used in the construction of barns years ago. We took him my drawing and he used ash trees that had died because of the destructive ash borer and cut the beams and posts for timber peg construction.

This gentleman's brother was experienced in constructing buildings using timber pegs so we contacted him. The wood was ready. All we needed was to have it put up, but we had no idea when the builder would be able to begin the construction of our shelter. And then, the night before the Settlement Conference, at about 9:00 at night (unusually late for the Amish to be making phone calls) we received the call. "Would it be okay for us to come and start constructing your shelter tomorrow?"

We of course said, YES!! And then my husband and I looked at each other and just smiled. Are you kidding me? Thank you, God. We are heading to a Settlement Conference and the night before God reminds us that—I'VE GOT THIS! Don't worry about anything. The shelter is going up. There WILL come a day when this portion of your journey WILL be over and this shelter of simple timber peg construction with a floor made of cobblestone engraved with my words WILL memorialize that day.

Thank you, Jesus. We went to the Settlement Conference with peace, contentment, and joy in our hearts.

After that phone call, I decided to look up a journal entry my sister referenced in their Settlement Offer Letter. (The courts had ordered the two parties to try and negotiate a settlement for the three months prior to the Settlement Conference. We asked them to respond to our last offer which we had never gotten a response from. The three months passed without them responding to anything we sent. And then the day after the deadline set by the courts for negotiating, we received their offer. Pay them about three quarters of a million dollars.) In the Settlement letter my sister referenced one of my journal entries and was implying that I was somehow crazy and listening to voices from God in my head and who knows what I would do. I thought the date she referenced was 5/10/10. So I got out the journal and began to read it aloud to my Mom. (I should explain here that my 86 year old widowed Mother was staying with us because she was fearful my sister and brother-in-law would show up and want to stay at her house while they were here for the Settlement Conference. My sister is notorious for showing up unannounced and it would have been very upsetting to my Mother.)

I began to read the 5/10/10 journal entry to my Mom. Oh my goodness. Crossing the Jordan... and gathering stones. You can read my journal entry here. After I finished reading, I realized the entry I just read didn't have the account of what my sister referred to so I went to get the letter and discovered the actual journal date she referenced.

Wow! A thousand times—Wow! Never in a million years would I have went back to read both of those entries the night before Settlement Conference. God used the words my sister wrote (in a negative way) to get me to go back and to read about HIS faithfulness. Thank you, Lord. Your faithfulness is beyond measure. I stand in awe of your Amazing Love.   


Next Entry: Matthew 18:15 – 19:30

Grateful!

May 07, 2012

Dad died one year ago today. "When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing His praise, then when we've first begun." (What a Day That Will Be)

I'm so grateful. When I look back and see how the Hand of God was working in Dad's final days on this earth, I just stand amazed. I'm so grateful for the Christian heritage Dad gave us. I have such wonderful memories of the last five years of Dad's life. Dad mellowed into a warm gentle spirit. We had so many great family moments and celebrations, especially the last six months of his life. I'm grateful we have a video of Easter Sunday as we celebrated his 90th birthday.* I'm grateful there were no barriers between myself and Dad. No words were left unspoken. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to pray Dad "into" heaven. What a blessing to watch him take his last breath on this earth and know we were with his physical body when his spirit stepped into heaven and into the very presence of God.

Thank-you again God, for allowing me that opportunity.

"The death of one who belongs to the LORD is precious in his sight." Psalm 116:15

I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be with Mom and Dad every step of the way. No regrets. Absolutely no regrets. I am so grateful my relationship with Mom was restored years ago. Another way (the lawsuit) God used for good that which was meant for our harm. It's interesting how some people are just plain toxic. When my sister and I were close, my other family relationships were all strained. When my relationship with my sister was broken, ALL the other relationships were restored. Sometimes you cannot recognize the toxicity of a situation until you are out of it. Another reason to be grateful for "the storm." Thank-you, Jesus.

*And who could ever forget the special relationship between Dad and our Chocolate Lab named "Dozer" who he affectionately called "his Parpy dog." We took Dozer to see Dad every Sunday night for months. Our maniac puppy who never sat still for a moment would climb up on Dad's lap or lie beside him on his bed and just snuggle. Dozer brought Dad so much joy in the last months of his life.  I will forever treasure the memories of seeing the special love and bond between Dad and Dozer, aka "Parpy dog." The feelings were mutual.

Next Entry: Matthew 13:1–58 (Continued)

Matthew 9:1–38 (Continued)

April 20, 2012

FAITH—What a way to start a new journal! (This is journal #9)

"I know there used to be a stone in front of a tomb. And I do know it was moved. And I also know that there are stones in your path. Stones that trip you and stones that trap. Stones too big for you. 

Please remember, the goal of these stories is not to help us look back with amazement, but forward with faith. The God who spoke still speaks. The God who forgave still forgives. The God who came still comes. He comes into our world. He comes into your world. He comes to do what you can't. He comes to move the stones you can't budge. Stones are no match for God. Not then and not now. He still moves stones." ~ From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado.

There were plenty of stones facing the people in Matthew 9. A leader of the synagogues daughter had just died. A woman was afflicted with a bleeding disease for twelve years. Two men were blind. Another man couldn't speak because of demons. They (and others) came to Jesus—and Jesus healed them. They all sought Him. They all believed. They all were healed. The woman who was bleeding just wanted to be able to touch His clothes. She didn't feel worthy to be able to speak to Jesus but she understood His power. Jesus said to her, "Be encouraged, dear woman. You are made well because you believed." (Matthew 9:22) And the woman was healed from that moment on.

Then there was the leader of the synagogue. His daughter died. He sought out Jesus to come touch her. Jesus goes. He tells the crowd gathered there to go away because the girl was not dead, she was only sleeping. The crowd laughed at Him. They did not believe Jesus could heal her. The interesting thing is, they did not get to stay and watch or participate in her healing. "After the crowd had been thrown out of the house," (THEN) Jesus went into the room, took her hand, and she was healed.

When Jesus left there two blind men began to follow (pursue) Him. They cried out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." Calling him Son of David shows they knew who He was. Jesus asked them, "Do you believe that I can make you see again?" (Matthew 9:28) They answered "Yes, Lord" and they were healed because they believed. When the two men were leaving, some people brought (again pursued) to Jesus a man who could not speak because of demons. Jesus forced the demon out and the man could speak again. The crowd was amazed and said, "We have never seen anything like this in Israel." The Pharisees just refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah, instead accusing Him of getting his power from the prince of demons instead of Father God.

Crowds followed Jesus and He healed many. Looking out over the crowds, Jesus felt sorry for them. He compared them to sheep without a shepherd. Then Jesus gave His great commission in Matthew 9:37–38. "There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. Pray to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to gather his harvest."

Addendum:  12/3/15 ~ We received the Settlement demand letter from my sister and brother-in-law yesterday. It came after the deadline set by the judge. Both parties were to be trying to negotiate a settlement for the last three months. We sent them three separate letters requesting a response to our settlement offer—nothing. Literally nothing. Then after the judge's deadline, they sent a demand letter of what they would be willing to settle for. The amount (including what is remaining in escrow) was approximately three quarters of a million dollars. If we don't give them that amount then the letter included all sorts of threats and demands on what they will do. (The three quarters of a million dollars is in addition to the $250k they already took from the project funds and never returned.)

The amount they are demanding doesn't matter. It might as well have been three million. We don't have it, and they know it. What we did have has either been spent or mortgaged to defend ourselves against them. Even if we did have the ability to pay their demands we would not do it. We are innocent of ALL their charges. Period. The irony is this: What they are willing to settle for is less than what they would have received if they would have accepted the offer we had for the sale of the project back in 2007. But that would have been recouping their investment from someone else paying them the money. That was not good enough. The intent all along has been to (at the very least) monetarily destroy me. The amount of money they are asking for would accomplish that. Nothing less than my destruction appears to be acceptable.

Our lawyer made a comment yesterday that in just ten words summed up the situation. He said, "____ (my sister) is not always right, but she is NEVER wrong." That is it in a nutshell. Say that quote to ANYONE who has ever crossed paths with her and they would all nod their head in agreement. He also made another comment that was absolutely spot on. Just six words that perfectly captures why it has been impossible to deal in any reasonable way with my sister and brother-in-law these last eight years. Here is crux of the matter and why nothing has worked. Their attitude is: "We win, you lose, you choose." They leave NO room for any other alternative. That's it. "We win, you lose, you choose."

Addendum #2: 4/24/17 ~ There was another part of their settlement letter that I don't think I've mentioned before. I found it highly offensive. In the letter they offered to keep any payments we made to them confidential so "no one would ever need to know" we paid them to settle their claims against us. The implication was this: they were willing to allow us to atone for our (so-called) sins privately by allowing us to pay them what amounts to hush money. This would allow us to keep our leadership positions in the church and allow us to keep our reputation within our business and local communities without anyone ever needing to know what we had (supposedly) done. A cover-up. All very private. All very hush-hush.

What?!? A cover-up? Their accusations against us are not true. But even if they were, do they truly believe it would be appropriate to help someone cover up their "sin"? Where is that scriptural? Can't the Maker of eyes see and the Maker of ears hear? How does that fit with them telling our Pastors they were trying to follow Matthew 18? How does that bring a wandering believer back into fellowship with God? How does that restore a broken relationship?

To insinuate we would even consider such an action is offensive to me. It goes against everything we stand for and who we are. But it doesn't matter what is offensive to me. What matters is the why behind their actions. It is morally offensive and reprehensible. It is yet another example of them attempting to project their own behavior onto us. Just because they appear to be willing to do whatever they think is necessary to cover up their own actions, they assumed they could tempt us into doing the same. To say they were wanting to help us was just a smoke screen, another one of their own cover-up schemes. They were hoping to get us to cave to the fear of losing the lawsuit and possibly losing our ministries and reputation as Christ followers. They were hoping to entice us to take the issue of saving ourselves into our own hands. So, they offered to help us keep what is important to us by helping us cover up our (so-called) sins in a shroud of secrecy.

We have NOTHING to hide. We have not sinned against them or anyone else, and we will not try to save ourselves from their evil plans. Our trust and faith is in the One who created the heaven and the earth. The LORD—HE is the One who will save us from their agendas. Thinking it appropriate to make that offer unfortunately proves they have no knowledge of who we are or the One we believe in.  You cannot possess true knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ and come up with a plan to help someone hide "sin." That is what is most unsettling. The heart of the matter was once again exposed.

The TRUTH of Christ is what sets you free. In Christ Jesus there is no fear. True freedom doesn't come from being in control, true freedom comes when you give up your need to be in control and surrender your fears, pride, (fill in the _____) to Christ. I find their offer to cover-up (their own false accusations) in a secret settlement just as revealing as their offer to settle for approximately one million dollars. You can only come to the conclusion they are no longer following any kind of godly compass—and that is disheartening.  

O LORD, please give them another opportunity to surrender their hearts and lives to your authority. LORD, we continue to pray they would open their eyes to Truth and choose to change their hearts and lives. LORD, you know that if we could make the choice for them we would, but it doesn't work that way. Thank you, LORD, for being patient. Thank you, LORD, for these ten years of grace. No matter what they decide—we trust YOU. No matter what—we are following YOU.


Next Entry: Matthew 10:1 – 11:19

Matthew 8:1–34

 April 13, 2012

Jesus has the power, the strength, the ability, and the authority to free us from anything that holds us bondage. Not only does He have the ability, He wants to do it. "Lord, you can heal me if you will." And Jesus replies, "I will."

In Matthew 8 a man with leprosy went to Jesus; a Roman soldier went to Jesus; people with demons and other illnesses were taken to Jesus. We need to go to Jesus with whatever obstacle we are facing. He is willing. We need to have the desire. There was also another healing in this chapter. Jesus went to Peter's house and saw that his mother-in-law was ill. Jesus touched her hand; she was healed; and she go up and began to serve Jesus. I call this a "just because" healing. Jesus knew what she needed and He did it, just because. She was healed and then she began to serve Jesus. 

When Jesus healed the man of leprosy He told him not to go and tell others about it. He instead told him to go and follow the laws Moses (God) commanded in the Old Testament, once again linking the Old Testament to the New Testament. By following the commands of the Old Testament, Jesus and His authority, would be revealed.

The Jews, even though they were God's chosen people, were now living under Roman rule because of their ancestors choices. A Roman soldier comes to Jesus to seek healing for his servant. A Roman! This was not someone who was raised with knowledge of God. He was not someone who was part of God's chosen people and therefore knew (or should have known) about Jesus' coming as foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament. No. He was someone who was in power over God's people, but he humbled himself, sought Jesus, and asked for healing for his servant. Jesus offered to go and heal him. The Roman soldier replied that he wasn't worthy for Jesus to come to his house. He said, "You only need to command it, and my servant will be healed." An outsider understood the power Jesus had, believed Him, and had faith in Him. And Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this is the greatest faith I have found, even in Israel." (Matthew 8:10)

Jesus' next statement is sobering. There will be many people, even "His" people, who knew of Him but did not know Him who will be left outside the gate.

Matthew 8:12 - "But those people who should be in the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where people will be cry and grind their teeth with pain." 

We can't put our faith in going to church. We can't claim safety because of a long ago sinners prayer. We must know Him. We must live out our faith. We must surrender ourselves to Him. We must believe. Our actions must match our words. And Jesus said to the Roman soldier, "Go home.  Your servant will be healed just as you believed he would." (Matthew 8:13) And his servant was healed that same hour.

There is a cost to following Jesus. Great crowds began to follow Jesus. People were enthused by all He was doing and saying. They wanted to join in on the movement. Jesus warned them. There is a cost in following me. You will have to give up your dreams and your security to follow me. This is not a "get well" quick movement. This is not a "get rich" quick scheme. This is a take up your cross and follow ME movement. It will cost you, but it will be worth it all.

Addendum: Today is Thanksgiving 2015. We had a wonderful time with family. We are so thankful for all God has done for us and for giving us the strength and stamina to survive these last nine years of "the storm."


Next Entry: Matthew 8:1–34 (Continued)

Daniel 6:1–28 (Continued)

January 24, 2012

Last night, as I was drifting in and out of sleep, a song kept running through my mind, the same song that I've found myself "singing" throughout the day and night for weeks now.

You Never Let Go  By Matt Redman

Even though I walk through they valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near.

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh, You never let go
LORD, You never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know you here on this earth.
 
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh, You never let go
LORD, You never let go of me.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles.
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You!
Still I will praise You!


Next Entry: Daniel 7:1 – 8:27

Ezekiel 13:1 – 14:23 (Continued)

January 02, 2012

I have two things written beside this chapter.

1. The battle belongs to the LORD; and 
2. Vengeance is mine saith the LORD.

We see outward appearances but God knows the heart. A group of leaders came and sat down in front of Ezekiel. God says to Ezekiel, "These men want to worship idols. They put up evil things that cause people to sin. Should I allow them to ask me for help?" Tell them this: I know what is in their hearts. Tell them, "Change your hearts and lives, and stop worshiping idols. Stop doing all the things I hate... (you) can separate (your)self from me by wanting to worship idols or by putting up the things that cause people to sin. Then if they come to the prophet to ask me questions, I, the LORD will answer them myself. I will reject them. I will make them a sign, an example, and I will separate them from my people. Then you will know that I am the LORD." (Ezekiel 14:3–8)

The battle belongs to the LORD. He knows the hearts and thoughts and He will answer each one according to their own actions. We are responsible for our hearts, thoughts, and actions. We have to be faithful in doing whatever God asks us to do. We are responsible for the condition of our own heart. But, as much as we would like to be able to make the heart-changing decision for our loved ones—total surrender to Christ—we cannot do that. Four different times God said even Noah, Daniel, or Job could not save the people who chose to willingly disobey God's commands from the destruction and power of God's hand. "They could only save themselves."

Four times God tells him—you can't save them, you can only save yourself. "You will see..." Ezekiel 15:22b - "You will see what happens to people who live as they did." God says what I have planned for Jerusalem (the place God chose for the people He called his own) is much worse, because they rejected me and because they refused to change their hearts and lives. Because! "I will send" four terrible punishments against them for its destruction. 

Then God says something that I would not have been able to understand unless this much time (since we have been caught up in "the storm") had passed. God says twice, "You will be comforted." Ezekiel 14:23 - "You will be comforted when you see what happens to them for living as they did..." How can that be? When you have no anger or revenge in your heart, how can someone's destruction bring you "comfort"? How can it not bring overwhelming grief?

Time (God) has shown me several things. 

• Everyone is responsible for their own life choices
• Accountability is directly linked to each person's own choices
• It is not my responsibility to "fix" someone
• God in His Sovereignty offers forgiveness

And the most important one:

• God is a fair, kind, and just God—and I trust Him.  

Ezekiel 14:23 - "You will be comforted when you see what happens to them for living as they did, because you will know there was a good reason for what I did to Jerusalem, says the LORD God." Glad or happy about their destruction? No. There is no happiness found in the destruction of others. What God gives is comfort.

Comfort definition: 1) To give strength, and hope to; 2) Console.
Console definition: 1) Consolation; 2) Freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety.

That is what God gives. Comfort. The vengeance is His, and His alone. Because the vengeance is His and because He is a fair and just God, we can have comfort—no matter what—"because you will know there was a good reason for what I did to Jerusalem, says the LORD God."

It's a New Year—2012. I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2012. I think it is fitting that my notations for Ezekiel 14 is the first thing to write about on this new day of a New Year.

1) The battle belongs to the LORD. Period. Our lives are in His hands and we trust Him.
2) Vengeance is mine saith the LORD. Period. I'm so grateful everything is out of our hands and in HIS. He is a kind, fair, and just God, and we trust Him.

Those were already written in the margins of my Bible. God's battle and vengeance. Now comes Judgment. There is going to be a Judgment Day.  

Matthew 11:20–24 - The people did not change their lives and stop sinning, so Jesus says, "How terrible for you... how terrible for you... you will be thrown down... on the Judgment Day it will be better for Sodom than you."

Acts 17:3–31 - "God tells all the people in the world to change their hearts and lives. God has set a day that he will judge all the world with fairness..."

II Peter 2:2 - "Many will follow their evil ways and say evil things about the way of truth."

Addendum:  Today is 8/24/15 ~ The song, "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman continues to run through my mind day and night. Every time I realize it is running in the background of my consciousness it just makes me smile. The Comforter brings comfort. Thank you, Holy Spirit.


Next Entry: Ezekiel 15:1 – 20:44

Dad's Graveside Service

May 12, 2011

Dad's graveside service was yesterday. It was simple and very meaningful. His plain coffin was draped with the American flag. The military guard carried the casket from the hearse to the grave. My brother, per Dad's wishes, led the service which was just for family members. He did an awesome job. Maybe I will get his notes and write it here in my journal. I was going to share some thoughts at the graveside service, but my brother and I decided at the last moment that it would be best if I waited until the Memorial Service we are having with our children, grandchildren, Mom and my brother's family on Saturday. (See Addendum.)

Before the service started, my brother asked my sister to sit on one side of Mom and for me to sit on the other side of Mom. It was the right thing to do. Mom cried softly throughout the service and I kept my arm around her to comfort her. After my brother finished speaking, the honor guard folded the American flag and gave it to Mom. He thanked her on behalf of our country for Dad's service in World War II. At the close of the service, the honor guard fired three rounds of volleys to signify the dead being properly cared for, and taps was played. It was beautiful and moving.

And with that... it was over.

After the service my sister handed out packets to give to our daughter and son since they were not in attendance. My sister then asked if we were all going to go out to eat together. (What ?!?) We all replied, "No." Mom left with my brother and his family in their car and my sister and brother-in-law left in their car.

After the honor guard and the family left, my husband and I stayed behind so we could take pictures of the casket, grave, etc. We wanted to be able to explain what happens at a funeral and share the pictures with our grandchildren at the Memorial Service. We especially wanted to do what we could to help our daughter-in-law. Her Mom was seriously ill and not expected to live much longer. Our grandchildren loved Great Grandpa and were sad to see him die, but it was going to be much harder for two of our grandchildren when their beloved MaMaw died. We wanted to help prepare the way for what our shared grandchildren were soon were going to experience when they lost their wonderful MaMaw.

When we got back home, I had a chance to look at the packets my sister gave me. The packets contained copies of a letter from Dad and some pictures. Perhaps the saddest part of the whole day was when I read what my sister had written on the back of the picture of Dad with his beloved "parpy" dog (our puppy Dozer). "Probable last photo taken April '11." That wasn't even close to being accurate. The picture of Dad with our puppy was taken the year before.

A lot of "life" and "love" transpired between the time that photo was taken and Dad's death. My family celebrated Dad's 90th birthday and Easter with a family dinner and party just weeks before Dad died. There were lots of pictures taken, videos made and special moments and memories shared. Without Dad knowing, we videotaped what turned out to be his final family prayer before we shared our Easter dinner. I loved to hear my Dad pray. I can still hear his voice as he prayed for the "in-laws and out-laws" gathered around the table. 😊

When my sister chose to blow up our family of origin by filing a vicious and ruinous lawsuit against a sibling, it created a complete void between her and the rest of the family. She had no idea that my daughter interviewed Dad recounting stories of the war and those stories are now permanently part of the National Archives. The interview was recorded on a DVD. The letter my sister handed out was actually Dad's account of the war that he personally wrote for my daughter when she was interviewing him. My sister thought she was performing the role of a "historical archive specialist" by presenting the rest of the family a packet of the "probable last photo" and a letter from Dad as a keepsake, all the while totally unaware that what she presented was something the rest of us already had. How sad that my sister is so out of the loop in this family (because of her own actions), that she knows nothing about the last years and months of my Dad's or anyone else's life. So incredibly sad.

You cannot alienate yourself from everyone and then expect to get a different result than what you have created—alienation. You cannot use trickery against a sister; falsely accuse a sister; file a lawsuit to try and financially destroy a sister by taking what is hers as your own; and then think you will be warmly welcomed back into a family and expect to go out to dinner together after a memorial service. You cannot do what my sister has done to my Mom, Dad, and brother for these last 40 plus years and expect them to feel safe around you. You cannot lie, tell half-truths, leave out the truth, exaggerate the truth, and then expect your family members to trust you. IF—THEN is a biblical principle and a life principle. You do reap what you sow. I feel sorry for her, but I can't fix her. Will either she or her husband ever understand who is responsible for the breakdown in relationship from the friends and family they used to be close to but are now alienated from?

It's interesting to compare what all was happening between the time of the "probable last photo" and Dad's death.

On their side: the judge granted my sister and brother-in-law's request for more discovery time in the lawsuit. They used none of the extended time for anything that actually pertained to the lawsuit itself. Instead, they used that time as an opportunity to try and create a division between our daughter, son-in-law, and ourselves. Their plan didn't work. It was during this discovery time that I was required to send 450 pages of this journal to them. 450 pages of me pleading with God to show them mercy and to give them time for repentance. Instead of receiving it in the manner it was written, they took my words, twisted them, took them out of context, and accused me of threatening their lives. They went so far as to say they were considering getting a protective restraining order in order to protect themselves from me out of a (irrational) fear that I would do them physical harm.

On our side: much quality and quantity of time was spent with Mom and Dad and our own family. In spite of "the storm," our lives were filled with peace, joy, and contentment.

Addendum; 3/9/15 ~ Because my sister and brother-in-law's latest tactic included accusing me of being mentally and emotionally unstable; because in their lawyer correspondence they said they felt I was homicidal and expressed their fear of me and what I might do; because they refused to be in the same room with me unless it was in a courtroom facility where I would be required to pass through a metal detector; and because they said they considered getting a restraining order against me but decided against it since they live on the other side of the country... because of all those things and more, we (my Mom, brother, husband and I, and our children) all decided it would be wisest if our son and daughter and their young families did not attend Dad's funeral.

My sister's behavior was just too unpredictable. She knew none of her accusations were true, but it appears she was (and is) willing to stop at nothing to try and destroy me. Would she have the police there for her "protection"? Would she start making accusation in front of our children or our grandchildren? What would she do? We wanted Dad's service to be peaceful, and we didn't want to expose our children and grandchildren to her unpredictable and possibly upsetting behavior, so together we decided to have a separate Memorial Service for the rest of the family after my sister left the area. My brother graciously offered to share his exact same message over again for our adult kids and grandchildren at a later time.


Next Entry: Dad's Memorial Service