Monday, January 14, 2013

Miscellany Monday




 I'm so thankful for this new week and I'm hopeful for better days ahead.  And, what better way to begin a new week than with sweet Carissa............

Tough days..........
The past month has been especially tough and I've been in tears a lot of the time.  But, I've always been a crier and have found that if I can have a good cry I often feel so much better and can go forth a little while longer. I say, tears are the best dose of medicine around. ~smile~  And, of course, the Lord always supplies just what I need just when I need it and even when I can't see the end to a situation, He reminds me that He has it all under control and to just simply trust Him.  What peace and assurance that gives me!

Sweet Daddy...........
I think I mentioned last week that Daddy has been very sick with bronchitis.  He is doing better with that but he has hit an all time low emotionally.  It makes me so sad when he expresses the sad, sad feelings that he has over the circumstances of his life.  I so wish that I could change things, but again, that it out of my control.  He has very comprimised vision, limited hearing and effects of the Guillian Barre Syndrome.  Yes, he has come a long, long way these past 19 months, but his life, as he knew it before, will never ever be the same.  It's a lot to accept and in recent weeks he's just not been able to wrap his head around it.  We are going to the Dr. today and can hopefully get him the help that he needs.  I appreciate your prayers on his behalf.

Finally home..........
Taken just a few years ago
   My precious friend, Martha, went home to be with the Lord this past Wednesday evening.  I was privileged to have one last visit with her just a few hours before she died.  As I told her what she had meant to me the past 42 years, a smile came across her face and I knew without a doubt that she knew it was me and she did hear what I said.  I will never forget that.

Martha was, along with many other things, a master at floral design.  I have no doubt that she would have been more than pleased with the arrangement that one of her dear friends designed for her casket.
    Her funeral was indeed a celebration of a life well lived and no one had to think hard to come up with sweet things to say about this true Southern Lady.  Music was a large part of Martha's life and I was fortunate to have been one of her vocal students at one time.  She had one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard and the family decided that it would be appropriate to end her service with her singing "The Lord's Prayer."  Of course, it was from a recording from years gone by but what a perfect ending for her home going celebration. And, now she will sing forever with the heavenly chorus.

The above photos were taken following the burial with some of my favorite members of Martha's family. (please ignore my tear stained eyes)  In case the captions are too small to read..........
L to R is Martha's precious daughter in law and Granddaughter, Martha's daughter, Elise and then Martha's  husband, Bill. Their lives will never be the same, but, as we all do, they will go on.

Rain, rain and more rain........
For goodness sakes, is it ever going to stop raining???  That's all I'm going to say about that. ~laugh~

A new week........
I am off to do a mini-seminar on organization  for a MOPS group at a church about 25 miles from here this morning.  I'm looking forward to this time with these young Moms and hopefully I can pass along some tidbit of information that will make their lives easier.  I take a scriptural approach because I think that is exactly what the Lord wants, an organized life before an organized closet or cabinet.  And, I know that our lives cannot be truly organized if He is not in the center of them.

Heartfelt thanks.......
Thanks for being my special friends!  I love you and appreciate each and every one of you that stop by.   I hope that something I say will bless you or bring a smile to your face.  I know this was a heavier entry than I usually do, but it is what it is and life can't always be all "sunshine and roses."  But, thank the Lord for His faithfulness no matter the circumstance!  Happy new week!    
Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

11 comments:

  1. Sending hugs and prayers to Martha's family and for your loss too, also praying healing for your Dad, as he is mending.
    I know there are going to be some very blessed young mothers, as you minister to them.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  2. I will continue to pray for Martha's family, and for you. Such a beautiful woman! Believe me I know how difficult it is to deal with a parent whose life IS hard, and their load is heavy, and there is just really soo little you can do to help. Praying you find out something at the docs today that can help. HUGS to you!

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  3. Lea, you spread Sonshine even when the clouds are dark. Thank you for that. I teared as I read about the family closing Martha's service with her singing the Lord's Prayer. My, what a voice and a ministry that precious woman had. You will miss her. Thinking about you today with all you have on your own plate this week. May God bless you with His strength and peace. Love ya!

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  4. Shedding tears with you as I read this post. I have a friend whom I've known for almost 40 years, so when you said 42 years, I immediately related what it would feel like to lose Barb the way you lost Martha. What a precious last memory saying goodbye and knowing she'd heard and felt your loving words. And yes, the arrangement on the casket is gorgeous--a true act of love to a floral designer from a floral designer. And oh, I was UNDONE when I imagined hearing her recorded voice singing at her funeral. Hugs and prayers, Lea. I am also very sorry to hear how low your daddy's spirits have sunk. I think it's harder for a daughter to watch her daddy suffer than just about anything. Sending love your way today in the form of prayers for comfort--and so inspired that you are sharing your gift of organization in the midst of your heartache. "Surely the presence of the Lord in this place."

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  5. Hi, Leah! Sure have missed "visiting" you! I'm so sorry to hear all that you're dealing with right now...your daddy's health issues and the loss of your sweet friend. Please know and rest assured that you are being kept close in my thoughts and prayers...God is with you every step of the way and will provide all you need to carry on.

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  6. Dear Lea,

    Thank you so much for coming to our MOPS meeting this morning to share the message of the importance of having an organized life. You were, indeed, a blessing to our group and thank you for taking the time for us. I will pray for you this afternoon as you have the return trip with your dad.

    I am sad with you about the current circumstances in your dad's life as well as the passing of a good friend. I'm so glad that God's word gives us hope even when life is just a plain drag. Your dad looks like such a sweet man.

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  7. Thank you for sharing your heart with us! Now I know exactly how to pray for you, and I will definitely pray for your Dad. (What a handsome man!) I'm sorry you lost a dear friend last week. It's always so beautiful and comforting when someone's funeral service is filled with sweet and loving comments and memories. I'm sure it's a comfort for you to know that you'll see her again in Heaven.
    I so wish I could be a part of that MOPS group to hear you speak on organization!!
    ((hugs))

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  8. Aww! Sending you big hugs during this rough patch. I'm so sorry.

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  9. Oh friend, tears bring so much healing. It's okay to cry. I will certainly be praying for your daddy. It's so hard when they enter this stage of life. We just want to make everything better. I am so sorry about Martha's passing, but know she's just dancing with Jesus right now. So thankful for those precious last moments you had with her. Sending you great big hugs!

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  10. I will pray for your dad today. I'm glad you were able to celebrate your special friends life with the people she loved.

    I am a fan of a good cry too : )

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  11. Sorry to hear about your dad being sick. Praying he feels better soon.
    Also I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend Martha. That arrangement is gorgeous. ((HUGS))

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So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!