Memories of My Childhood

 

When I was a little girl, this is where my family attended church. It is a small country church surrounded by farmhouses and fields. Our home was at the end of the road and just a short walk from the church. My brother, sister and I attended school here in the back part of the church. It was the original church building, the front part was added years later. My parents always sat in the back pew and I would fall asleep under the pew ahead of us, all curled up in my blankie that my aunt had made for me.

I attended first and second grade here and was surrounded by mostly family. There were my sister and I, some of my cousins and a couple of children not related to us. Nine in all if my memory serves me correctly. We had a lot of fun here. The swings out back were huge and situated on a small slope, so that when you swung high, you were able to jump out of the swing and feel like you were flying through the air. We built forts at the corner of the church property, made from mud, rocks and tree limbs. One of our favorite games was Capture The Flag.

Some of my relatives still attend this little church and when I visit, it brings back memories of a very sweet childhood. It was here I held my Mother's hand as we sang "Shall We Go For A Walk Today?" and walked through a path that had flowers on either side and stuffed animals peeking out at us. I was so little, I remember feeling as if I were walking through a jungle of artificial flowers. I loved going to Sabbath school, and I am so grateful to my Mom for teaching us at an early age to love Jesus. Don't we have a Wonderful, Loving Saviour?!!

 

Anne 

The Loss of a Friend

Dear Friends,
It has been forever and a day since I've written last....but I am determined to be more faithful. A lot has happened since my last post. My muscles are a little weaker, we got a little Aussie shepherd puppy 2 days ago (my husband is still pondering over the right name for him), and both our children have now joined the ranks of college young people. I am very proud and excited for both our kiddies. My prayer is that in everything they choose to do, they will place God first.

Earlier this year, I was saddened to attend the memorial service for one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever met. Her name was Caitlin, and her life was a living testimony to the love Our Heavenly Father has for us. I met Caitlin when I was teaching nursing clinicals for a Christian University. She was very shy and unassuming at her first clinical. But what I remember the most about our initial meeting was her sweet smile. It could melt the heart of the toughest patient...and it did many times!:D The more I got to know Caitlin, the more she etched upon my heart the importance of loving Christ. I think anyone who reads this and knew Caitlin, will understand what I mean. You couldn't know Caitlin and not be affected in some form or fashion of the love she had for her Saviour.

We lost touch after she graduated, but I was SO happy when last year our paths crossed again at my church. She and her Dad performed special music for us and did a beautiful job. We have a special time of prayer at our church, where anyone who has a special request, or a burden on their heart can come to the alter and pray. During that time, I slipped out of the pew I was sitting in and went up to where she was sitting. I placed my arm around her and when she recognized me she gave me a hug and we both knelt down together and prayed. After prayer, we hugged again and after the church service we had a chance to talk a little. She told me about the esophogeal cancer she had had. At the time the doctors believed she was in remission, but sadly, I learned later that that was not true. We exchanged phone numbers and I had meant to call her and invite her and her Dad over for dinner....we never got the chance. I am in pain every day and it is a struggle to do miniscule chores at times. However, it will always be one of my biggest regrets, not calling her. Death should never take young people. Even though, my heart grieves that she is no longer here, I am grateful to God that He knows what is best for each one of us. Caitlin in life, lived for Christ, and now, she is sleeping safe from all this world's troubles. We will see her again when Jesus returns to take us home. What a glorius day that will be! Until then, goodnight Caitlin.

If you would like to see her blog, you can go to wisteriamelody@blogspot.com


Anne