Saturday, May 25, 2019

REMEMBERING WW II


He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

I recently bought a book of memories of World War II by residents of Avondell senior home.  It inspired me to write my own memories. As I did so, the major theme that emerged was my protection from the horrors of war. As a four-to-eight year-old during the war years, I didn’t really understand all that was happening. But my location in Fredericktown, Missouri, in the heart of the United States, kept me safe from the enemy.

Everyone had a Victory Garden for their table. We also had a chicken coop for eggs and Sunday dinner. Mother would grab a chicken and go through all the mess to pluck and prepare it. Her fried chicken is the best ever!

Ironically, I remember the summer of 1944 as the most fun summer I ever had. My buddies and I played baseball with a tennis ball and a corkball bat, and we had clubhousesone in a treehouse and another behind Don Montgomery’s house. Meanwhile, terrible struggles were happening at Normandy, Saipan, Guam and other places. Allied bombing was making German children’s lives miserable, but in the safety of middle-America, I felt completely secure.

 Although the armed forces of the United States were the means of protection, it was God who protected me and allowed me to grow and develop through a fun, nourishing childhood. Now I am able to give Him thanks and serve Him according to His plan. God has always been my fortress.

Lord, thank You for your constant protection and leading me into life abundant!

Friday, May 17, 2019

WHO IS THIS MAN GOD GAVE ME TO LOVE?

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)

This faithful man, I call him husband, has vowed to love me beyond my dying breath, who looks upon my many imperfections, choosing to cast them to the shadows and instead illuminate my gifts, overlaying my weaknesses with his strengths, creating this oneness most people only dream about, this idea of being complete without entirely losing oneself.
This steadfast man, I call him friend, has walked beside me, even into the pit of despair, never straying far and always willing to step in should the need arise, providing me with sufficient time and space to grieve and mourn all that has been lost, his hand outstretched patiently waiting for mine to take hold, ready to guide me from the darkness—from sorrow and pain into the light.

This enchanting man, I call him lover, is the one who quickens my heart, and the passage of time only endears him to me more, for it is still him I long to possess—it is his kiss I desire, his touch I seek, the gentle caress of his spirit interwoven with mine—and together we have created this treasure called family.
What is this mystery called marriage? How much sweeter would life be if we all regarded our spouse with such favor?

Father God, thank You for the gift of marriage.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi

Saturday, May 11, 2019

MOTHER'S DAY VISIT

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! and from that hour that disciple took her unto his own house. John 19:26, 27 (KJV).

She came to visit in the night.
I felt her sitting on my bed.
My heart pounded when I saw her face
and listened to the words she said.

"I came to see my little girl
who worked so hard to save my life.
But, dear, you know I am with Jesus.
There's no sorrow or tears in Paradise.

"Jesus said that I could visit
just for a little while.
He's seen your sorrow at missing me,
and He wants to see your happy smile.

So, let's not speak of hurtful things
that bring on tears and heavy stress.
I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine.
Such simple things brought us happiness.

"I've come to say 'I love you dearly.'
I know you miss me and that's all right.
When tomorrow comes, you'll feel so good.
You'll not remember this visit tonight.

"Tomorrow is a special day.
Please kiss your children and say 'I love you.'
They won't believe I came to say,
"'I love you, love you, with all my heart.'"

Thank You, Father, for a loving mother in my life. Amen.

© Evelyn B. Ryan

Friday, May 3, 2019

LIFE CHANGES REQUIRE AN UNCHANGING GOD


“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you,” oracle of the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NABRE

Our new year began with laughter, family and friends. It was wonderful!

However, the evening ended in sadness with a call informing us about the passing of our abuelo (grandpa). He was very old and sick—we knew the time was near.

Along with this, my sister, who has been at my side all my life, is moving far away to live out her dream of being an actor. Although I am very happy for her, there is a sadness at losing her now. We’ve always been close, and she has been my rock. Whenever my anxious and depressive moments have taken over, I could always count on her being there.

God has given me a husband and now the support shifts to him. My sister is now discovering God’s plans for her. Reflecting on this, I am reminded by the verse by the profit Jeremiah. I trust God knows the plans He has for me.

Even though I am saddened by these changes, I am excited for the future! God’s timing always works out. My husband and I have been trying to have a child. With the extra room in the house because my sister left, maybe His time for that is near. My hope is in the Lord’s plan for us and no matter what may change—He is our unchanging Rock.

Lord, help us to accept the changes in our lives as they help bring us closer to who You created us to be. Amen.

© 2019 Maritza Mejias-Ditzenberger