I suppose I might be forgiven for looking back, and using physical and mental scrapbooks to live in a remember when.
But, well, no. As Paul wrote to the Phillipans...(in chapter 3 of the letter, this from the KJV)...
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Forget the shades of yesterday,
just point me to tomorrow.
let me heart remain in play,
with all the strength I steal and borrow.
They say that there's scant road ahead
but 'little' isn't none,
and I intend, before I'm dead
to have a bit more fun.
I do not scorn the memories
but they can't help me here,
and I figure that they wait for me
with a God who saves each tear.
Yes, perhaps it won't be long,
but I harken to hope's siren-song.
Music from Van Halen with Jump. Well, why not? Gotta practice optimism, and practice makes perfect...and it's also the Five Minute Friday writing prompt this week.
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
Marley, the canine waif from Afghanistan, whom WE helped save, has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Andrew, Andrew, Andrew... <3 <3 <3 "but I harken to hope's siren-song" ... if you can harken, so can I. It has been an honor, sir. A God-sent honor to have shared some time and space on this space with you. Prays for you and Barb, still.
ReplyDeleteJane, it's been an honour to share this road with you. We're so grateful for your prayers, and know that you are in ours.
Delete(((((Andrew)))))
ReplyDeleteThank you. Thank you.
Annie in Texas
((((((Annie!))))))
DeleteThank YOU!!!!!!
<3
Oh, Andrew, so sorry things are getting "badder" (="worser" as my little girl used to say)...just as God has given you living & persevering grace, He will give you leaving & homegoing grace...in His timing. Every breath is His, even the hard, coughing ones.
ReplyDeleteLove & lifting you and Barb up to our heavenly Father,
Kathryn
Kathryn, I LOVE 'worser'! Gonna use that.
DeleteWe are so grateful for your prayers. It's even worser now, this day, but I am safe in His Love.
I'm sorry things are getting harder, Andrew, but how I wish more of my patients had your focus on the future and final destination. It breaks my heart to hear some if them so stuck in memories of what they used to be able to do that they are missing 'now' almost completely and have no headspace left for future hope.
ReplyDeleteMuch love as always
Liz, thank you for haring this...getting stuck in the memories can be a dreadful trap, and I have seen it reduce the brave to something they would have preferred not to be.
DeleteHave to tell, you, thoug, you drew a smile, because 'headspace' for me brings up memories of setting up the Browning Ma Deuce (M2) .50 cal machine gun...
It does settle most human quarrels.
Sorry things are badder rather than better.
ReplyDeleteI see the days of this blog climbing.
So your life is actually getting longer and lovelier.
Enjoy the days of writing.
Smile at those around you.
Kick the world in the teeth if you're in pain.
Love on the pups.
Prayers you find heaven soon.
Jenn, FMF
Jennifer, I'm floored...thank you so much for this!
DeleteLife is indeed getting longer and lovelier.
We are so grateful for you.
Andrew, I am so sorry things are badder. I am grateful for you as you continue to point us towards persevering and hope in Christ. Praying for you and Barb.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, thank you so much for these kind and loving words, and most especially for your prayers.
Deletegrace to you, Andrew. As always, thanks for your words.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, my unknown friend!
DeletePERFECT practice makes perfect so DON'T JUMP. Do not even think about it.
ReplyDeleteSusan, definitely not thining about it! (And please excuse the late reply.)
DeleteLet hope lead you home. You're still in the game, and that's something! Thank you for your words. I know they are a work of love.... and maybe a bit of tenacity! God bless. vicki #30
ReplyDeleteVicki, thank you so very, very for this affirmation...and please excuse my delay in replying.
Deletehold to that God of yours...the one who saves your tears. The end is coming and that's okay. #34 this week.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I'm holding tight. The end very nearly id cometoday. I'm pretty shattered, but still here.
DeleteAnd please pardon my tardy response!
Hi Andrew. Peace, my friend. May God grant you enduring peace during the hardest moments. You are brave at heart. God wants you to stand fast in Him. You are His dear, beloved child. That's a celebration, The Lord is with you. Amen.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Norma, thank you so much...your affirmation of love and joy means more than I can ever say. (And please excuse my late reply!)
DeleteAlways praying friend!
ReplyDeleteTara, thank you so much! prayers mean the world to me.
Delete