We'd been vexed with a plumbing problem upstairs, and it made for an uneasy atmosphere around the house, where the issue would settle down for a few days, and then there'd be an "outpouring," if you will. Nobody tolerates that kind of hassle very well! Our plumbing handyman Lou had done some work, so all was well by Friday afternoon. Thank you, Lord, for talented members of the Body. But it sures makes me miss Steve, who could figure out, fix, restore or replace any kind of equipment!
After enjoying energizing inspiration, Christian fellowship and girlfriend time at Career Conference Friday through Saturday, and playing with my grandson later in the afternoon, I had much to look forward to at church on Sunday. After 2nd service, I rushed to my car with son-in-law Pavel to get my heavy tote full of teaching materials for the "Widows' Might" fellowship group, because daughter Heidi had returned to the 5th & 6th grade children's ministry rotation for 3rd service and had to get upstairs to get her lesson ready. There was a neat gratefulness in this mother's heart because we were both fulfilling our Bible teaching ministry at the same time, just a few doors down the hall from one another.
It had been exciting to receive a call Thursday from Roberta, the very precious and able leader of the widows' group, asking if I would teach the ladies on having a devotional time. This is a subject near and dear to my heart for decades, whether the audience is a gathering of young moms, my peers, or seniors ladies. Devotions, quiet time [or going into your closet as Jesus put it in Matthew 6:6] with the Lord is a non-negotiable if one wants to grow in closeness to Jesus, be filled with His Holy Spirit daily, and know Him enough to trust Him completely. We were blessed to hear Jo, a mentor of mine and widow of 30 years, describe her daily time with the Lord with the group before I got up. So much to glean from our elders, isn't there? As Proverbs 16:31 (NLT) puts it,
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
No sooner than we barely ended our closing prayer, I got a call from son-in-law Nick that an "overflow" had happened again, so I speedily exited church and made the purchase of a new commode on the way home. Refusing to become utterly irritated, I had lunch, watered the lawns, watched the opening segmant of The Bible, and went on to Home Fellowship, where, praise the Lord, I got a referral to a Christian family-owned plumbing company that does work for Riverside Christian Schools. I was highly encouraged by that information, and went on my way rejoicing that God was there to meet my need because I didn't give in to my urge to just stay home and stew. Like the ancient Israelites crossing the Red Sea, we need to sometimes "put our foot into the water" in faith asnd stay consistently and obediently in fellowship. Then, no matter what the enemy is hounding us with, just let God open up the dry land for us to cross over!
The morning offered a flurry of goodness from God's hand. I posted my scripture, Psalm 73:24, on Facebook,
You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
While checking my page, I saw a note from old friend Susan that she had seen Steve's photo in the Harvest 40th anniversary book! Needless to say, I went to Harvest, and in the process of buying the book, had amazing felowship with other long-time friends. The photo is above, of Steve and other young people, on the sanctuary steps, probably from the 1980's because I seem to remember that picture. I also found a picture of a couple of our friends taken at our wedding reception in the book! I love the way that pictures can travel anywhere in this digital age.
As another wonderful show of love from my Heavenly Father, He sent Carns Rooter, a Christian family-owned business, to replace the toilet and bring an answer to prayer--no mainline damage or further leak in the walls.
What a mighty God we serve!
Yes, indeed. So glad for His provision for you.
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