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Amazing Grace

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I always liked that song.  Amazing Grace. The story of it's origin always moves me and amazes me about the author.  He needed Amazing Grace to survive. More Amazing Grace to write those words. And more to live a life that proved those words to be true in his life. We can say almost anything, but living like our words are truth take character and strength that comes only from God's Amazing Grace. But what really gets me, and brings me to tears almost every time I hear or sing that song?  The memory that comes to mind. One memory. Probably close to 19 years ago. It was just another Sunday. Sitting a few rows behind Grandma Lady and Grandpa Man. Just an ordinary Sunday.  I didn't know it then, but that was probably my last most vivid memory being made of that Amazing Lady.  (I miss her every day! ) She was so consumed by that song. I've never seen anyone sing that song with such enthusiasm! She sang "it is well with my soul" and it was obvious that God's will...
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consistency, my prayer.

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Last week another of "my" widow ladies went to be with the Lord. Ninety-four years old, and faithful to the Lord, His people, His church and her family all those years.  Not perfect,  failures that I am aware of, but faithful and true as best she could. Last I saw her was almost a year and a half ago. And though it had been several years and she had some age related dementia, her family assured me that she remembered me. And she seemed to when I had the opportunity to greet her, though I likely wouldn't have recognized her if she hadn't been with her family. It always amazes me when I am remembered by those who have forgotten others. Anyway. She passed away a couple weeks ago,  and her memorial service was last weekend. Living far and being too busy for my own good made it impossible for me to attend the service in person.  But thanks to the chaos of 2020 and the capability of livestreaming via Facebook,  I was able to be there virtually.  I was blessed to ...
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hmm

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Every once in a while I hear the question,"What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?". I tend to think something generic and hopeful like: just keep going, it'll be OK.  Or maybe I consider advising against one choice or another,  but then I remember the good things that would never be without the hard and "horrible". But last night and this morning, I've been thinking that I would recommend setting goals without expectations. Or maybe even just trust the Lord, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Look always for the blessings and appreciate the ways life is good, even though it will not turn out the way you hope, imagine or expect. Always remember God is good, and His way is perfect, even if we don't like it or understand.  The biggest lessons life has taught me is don't have expectations and be confident in nothing. Expectations bring disappointment. Confidence in outcomes brings heartache and frustration. The only constant is change, and the ...
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