When the storm passes by physically and spiritually.
by: Esther
It's becoming a common saying that this winter of 2010-2011 is so different. Comments like "weather is changing;" "global warming;" resulting to cold rainy days, snow storms disrupting schools, travels, affecting crops, floods, earthquakes, etc. Yes, lives (our) are changing, too-- sometimes we get sad, discouraged & concerned, make us think we are nearing the last day events of the earth's history.
This winter, I felt like doing my gardening because at times I have to use the garden hoe & shovel to break the blanket sheet of ice covered with snow, making sure our patio is safe. With our advancing age we have to be very careful--what with fragile bones and bodies? (smile)
February is a very special month for many--Valentine. My sweetheart Ben said that her sister in Canada, emailed letting him know that their 86 year old Mom wanted to hear his son's voice. Instead of calling, we decided to go for a visit. I don't really like to travel long distances during winter, but I thank the Lord for the break of 40's after below freezing temperatures the previous weeks. We drove bringing with us our grand daughter. The driving was pleasant, it was sunny & bright but windy & cold when we first started. Before reaching Toronto, it started to turn worse, we decided to drive back home right away after a very short visit.
When she (mom) saw her son she was pleasantly surprised. Mom said with a sweet voice, a smile & a tight hug, "My son, my baby, my baby, my first baby...!" I smiled because she called 65 year old Ben, a "baby" but at the same time melted my heart & tears started to flow after witnessing an undying mother's LOVE. It had been also so many years when she last saw her first great-grand daughter, Deanna. The long treacherous trip home ended safely. Many cars were stranded & others on the ditch, but the trip was all WORTH it.
Upon arriving, Ben suddenly called and said, "sweetheart come see this!" My brother Jun whom I haven't seen & talked to for a long long time was in a YouTube posting, singing at a Church in Carson, California. It was an answered prayer. My dear brother has his own personal "storms" in life and I am very glad to see him come back. Yes, we were once "lost but now are found, " by the blood of Jesus.
A day later, a childhood friend Beth, returned my earlier numerous phone calls. I was so worried for not hearing from her and it was a relief to know she was still OK and alive. She broke a leg in an accident while vacationing in the Philippines with her husband. The surgery was successful but not after suffering from severe pain thinking that she would die. She was happy to be back home in USA. Our conversation was filled with joy and laughter boosting both our immune system.
Also received an inspiring letter from Africa. The writer named Loveness, wrote after reading Ben's book, Choosing To Live, "I write to you because through Jesus Christ you are my only hope. I don't have money but all I can offer is my prayers. I know your resources are limited but God directed me to write you personally without fail. I humbly thank you in advance. I am in much need of books and EGW Study Bibles even if they are second hand."
Reading further again brought tears to my eyes. On Jan. 5 ( my birthday) her house got burned while attending a prayer meeting. She lost everything. It sure reminded me, too, of Cec Murphey, co-author of Ben's book who lost his home and son-in-law who perished in the fire a few years ago.
Is it surprising that our journey heavenward is not always pleasant like the changing weather? Of course not! But if we look unto Jesus, all these trials & difficulties in life would soon go away and the sun comes out shining and refreshing-- good for our tired and weary souls & strength to our aching bones (Vitamin D). He is the LIGHT of the WORLD !
Kailee & Deanna. Smile and laughter are great immune boosters. Proverbs 17: 22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Four generations of the Sanidads. Eighty-Seven (86) years between Kalan & great-grandma Sanidad.
Deanna with great-grandma Es & grandma Es (two of the Esther Sanidads).
Paz, Ben's loving sister.
Lyrics: Hymns: I Have a Friend so Precious (My Lord and I)
by: Mary Ann Elizabeth Shorey Lancaster 1890
I have a friend so precious
So very dear to me
He loves me with such tender love
He loves so faithfully
I could not live apart from Him
I love to feel Him nigh
And so we dwell together,
My Lord and I.
I tell Him all my sorrows
I tell Him all my joys
I tell Him what pleases me
And I tell Him what annoys
He tells me what I ought to do
He tells me what to try
And so we dwell together,
My Lord and I.
Ingredients of a Booster Juice for physical strength: Garlic, onions, lemon, ginger, with water, honey and cayenne. TRY IT! (smile)
