Six Months Since My Husband Died

Today I am reminded of the faithfulness of God. This time last year, I took off from my job so I could stay home with my husband, Roy, who was dying from Leukemia. Everything about this season...the colors of the leaves, the smells in the air...all of it takes me back to a year ago when death hung over our heads. I remember the helpless feeling of it all. I remember wondering what I would ever do with this overwhelming sadness of losing Roy. Above the pain, however, there arose a greater hope, and that was the hope he and I both had in our Lord, Jesus Christ. It has been six months now since Roy moved his residence from earth to heaven. I know he is happy, and his body is finally well. No more needles. No more chemo. No more terrific headaches, body pain or swelling in his feet. I have been asked to speak in November at the Hospice noon lecture for those who are grieving, and the topic is "How to Get Through the Holidays." I welcome this blessing, for though I've not gotten through the holidays, my talk before the holidays would be the same as my talk after the holidays. I will get through because of God's love and strength. I am also honored to do the opening prayer at the Tree of Life Celebration at Tifton Hospital in December. If God did not bring these opportunities to my door, I would not be out looking for them, for some days it seems easier just to not do anything. But, God has called me, and He is faithful to continue that call no matter how I feel. In fact, He doesn't even ask me how I feel. He just continues to open doors.My journey of faith has nothing to do with how I feel, how I slept last night, how much I hurt. My journey of faith has everything to do with the One who died for me. I am honored He chooses to use me.

Watching God Work

I love to watch what God is up to every day. I love it that He allows me to be a participant in His work. There is no greater joy than that of telling others about Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross. His work of love should bring us the freedom that we need, the completeness that we seek, the joy that has escaped us. Instead, we often are so busy trying to "do" for Him, that we miss "being" for Him. What He desires is our hearts and a relationship with Him that is that of a deep and trusting friendship. This past weekend, I worked on a Walk to Emmaus at Camp Dooly at Heart of Georgia. What great joy it was to watch so many women begin to find themselves, their true authentic self, during this weekend. God met us there, and He was magnificent! I praise Him and honor Him for the gift of Emmaus in my life in 1990, and for the many blessed opportunitites I have had to work walks since then. One day I will be too old to work Emmaus walks, but for now, and as long as I can, I want to keep on working through this dynamic evangelistic tool called Emmaus. Have you been?

Revive Us Again!

10-15-09

We have just finished a wonderful revival at Central United Methodist Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Dr. Evelyn Laycock, from Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, came to enrich our lives and teach us more about the kingdom of God. The week went by too quickly. What a joy she is! Linda, her traveling companion, won all of our hearts with her bubbly personality and her beautiful singing voice. Our church musicians and choir were outstanding. We all feel "revived," and look forward to more growth in our individual lives. Prior to revival services, we did a six week study from Treasures of the Transformed Life by John Ed Mathison. What a book! I will want to read it again and refer to it often. It is so exciting to watch God's people get excited about revival and about a book study! Praise to the Lord for these great opportunities for Christian growth!

October 10, 2009

This is my first blog and since I am not a blogger and don't even read other blogs (yet) except an occasional one sent by a good friend, I am basically in uncharted territory. My nephew, Tyrus Clutter set my website up for me bjfunk.com as well as this blog. I wanted to use both as ministry tools. So, I think it will be fun. This morning, I am struck anew with the faithfulness of God. I am amazed that He will open a door for us, if we'll just sit back and trust Him. Like my website. Ty wrote me, "BJ, would you like a website?" and I thought, "No, not really. Why would I?" He said, "You could share your devotionals, writings and prayers that way." I still thought, "Mmmm...just not sure, but let me pray about it." I did. In only a few days, I received an email from a dear friend, and she asked this question, "Say, BJ, are your devotionals online? I'd like to have that site if you have one." Oh my. It was such a direct answer to the prayer that I wrote Ty right away, and he came up from Florida the next week to get me started. By the way, he's great and knows what he's doing, if you're interested. You can find his link on my website. I have found that when God wants a door opened in your life, he opens it easily, as if it only needs a whisper of His divine breath to open it. But, if He intends the door to be closed, He glues it shut. I love that He knows what I need better than I do. I'm thrilled that He is opening up this new method of ministry.