Hope Archives - Page 11 of 28 -

Tribute to a Life Well Lived

Son Michael, Russell, Grandson Rusty

I was preparing food for a family gathering as I began this article. My favorite preacher’s 95th birthday on June 27 deserved a big celebration! The frig overflowed with fruits, veggies, salads, and cold cuts (my kinda cookin’). Our home and grounds looked remarkable—praying all cabinet and closet doors are kept closed! It’s party time!

Neighbors Anna Earls and Brenda Bunch Brought Handmade Cards

Hubby has no idea that card shower announcements were sent to every city newspaper where he had pastored over sixty years. Each day he brings in cards from coast to coast. (I may never tell how they knew about his birthday…don’t you tell either!) Many were hand-delivered–see photo.

A bit of family history: Russell accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at 35. His wife bought his Bible with S&H Green stamps; she was instrumental in getting him in church. We still have that precious Bible. They celebrated 25 years together before she was called Home.

For the record, both widowed, he and I married in 1979; you do the math. We each had a married child with kids and he had Mike and Laura (10 & 11) at home. We are so blessed with our 4 kids and 5 grandkids and several greats! This I must tell you about my favorite preacher, he has faithfully preached the uncompromising word of God for 60 years! His favorite pastime continues to be telling people about Jesus.

I’ve often wished I had a video of a few messages for myself and our family and friends. However, I was concerned about it being a distraction; or my battery was low or …!.

Do you believe the devil can send a little fly to do his bidding? I do! I think God prompted me to click on video instead of photo. I got caught up in the message and wanted it all captured. Just as he began proclaiming the gospel a fly started crawling up and down my fingers. Mr. Fly had a party on my hand and phone.

You have to know it was the devil when I tell you the rest. That ornery fly landed on my NOSE! Honestly. He walked up and down my nose (tickled!!!) Back and forth from my hand to my face the whole 20 minutes! I kept saying, “Jesus, please keep me calm. And, forgive what I’m thinking!”

Granddaughter Melanie uploaded it to YouTube for me. I’ll put the link at the end of this letter for you; let me hear your thoughts.

We left the pastorate in Fair Play to move to Buffalo, MO in 2000 to retire and take care of Momma. Retirement was short; he was called as Director of Missions for Dallas County Southern Baptist churches in July 2000. He continues to serve as DOM and supply preach and lead a regular Bible study each week.

Well, the party is over … it was so fun and filled with unexpected surprises! Sons Rick and Mike and daughter Debbie evidently decided the Old Folk needed help. They changed filters in our well and furnace and faucets, fixed the dented mailbox, scrubbed the refrigerator, and more. Talk about a welcomed gift!

We ate, we laughed, we ate … you know how that goes! Goodby diet for the next week—leftovers, you can’t throw them out!

To hear My Favorite Preacher’s message: Why I am a Christian, search for Russell Adams 95 or click on this link

Treasure the time you have with your family; call them. Visit or send cards. God created family; it’s a wonderful gift!

Hugs,

I am currently working on “Our Story”; prayers appreciated. May call it “I Never did like Preachers!” That is the gospel truth!

My Calendar, Work Schedule and You

Posted on April 8, 2021 by adminApril 8, 2021

Jonquils from My Yard

My calendar and my work schedule this week will never match up. Cards to send and calls to make; women’s ministry needs; flower beds that need tending; a home that needs TLC; yikes!

Laying my calendar aside, I’m now packing a bag and heading out of town for a few day’s stay. Cousin Penny (Trudi) struggling with major decisions at 92. I am the only living relative. At the same time, it’s doubly hard for me to leave Russell. A precious friend went Home last night and he will do her service; I want to be here. (Prayer appreciated for both of us!)

New Tulip Bed Showing Off

How about you? Each of you holds a special place in my heart. A few I know quite well; others slightly; still others only through seeing your name on my list and praying for you and your family. How has springtime been going for you? I wonder if, even in the least of ways, have my notes truly offered you help and hope.

Good News! We can stop and regroup; even a few moments can change a day.

This morning I woke up to the sound of refreshing rain on the roof. Walking outside on the porch, I felt as though I could conquer the world (for a brief moment). I’m thankful for those times. I wish you fresh air and sunshine for your busy days.

As I took time to gather some beautiful spring flowers to take to Cousin, I continued to drink in the cool, fragrant air and refresh myself! A neighbor driving by stopped to chat; her wee one smiled and waved to me. I wish for you the smell of fresh rain and the perfume of God’s beautiful flowers. And, of course, hugs from wee ones; they warm our hearts.

Do you bake, garden, or cook a good casserole?

I thought of you today as we enjoyed our lunch. A friend, knowing our schedule, dropped by some fresh fruit and veggies and … a chocolate cake! I wanted to invite you over to share our bounty!

Many of you are busier than I, struggling to make it through one more day. You can only hope for someone to drop you off some food or flowers or take time to visit a bit.

What I appreciate most is that someone thought of us in that way. Sorry, I can’t come by your house today, deliver you some goodies or hold your hand or hug your neck.

However, here are a few things I can do for you today.

1. I can encourage from an understanding heart. I have been there, in the trenches and in the good times. I know firsthand every caregiver, parent, or child needs hope, love, and understanding.

2. I can pray for you. I believe that the love of God knows no boundaries. I believe He cares for us in ways we cannot understand. I believe He wants to comfort you and strengthen you and those you love.

3. I can listen to you. I am a good listener. Sometimes, just talking helps. I want to encourage you, if nothing else, to set aside a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts and your feelings. Be honest with them. And, please let me know when a column meets your need. Let me know how I can be a better encourager for you personally.

4. I can encourage you to seek someone you can minister to in some way; maybe take a bit of food or flowers. Maybe simply call or send a card. God created us to need each other; I’m thankful for that.

Well, lots of chattering today. Sometimes it’s good to just sit down and talk to an old friend. I really do care about you; I hope you know Jesus cares.

You Can Change Your World Today

You can change your world today.

Does that title seem impossible to you? Overpowering?

Our world right now can be frightening. Fear has gripped our family, friends and neighbors. At this writing, we are cautiously returning to work, to our churches, and stores and restaurants. And I say you can personally change your world? Really?

It’s in the Bible. “When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!” Proverbs 15:15 TLB

Look closely at the photo above. What do you see? Do you see an old dead stump in need of removal? Do you see grass that needs cut; limbs that need removed?

Or, was the first thing you saw the beautiful pink peony making its way through to bark to the sunshine above?

Read the title again. It reads “your world”! You may not have solutions to the big issues, but you can change your sphere of influence. It is as easy as a smile, a tiny gift, a nod.

“His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” Psalm 30:5 The Voice

All my words are not enough to share with you this truth. I know, I KNOW one smile can change a life. Sing an old song with me: what the world needs now, is love sweet love …! It’s true. Simply smile. Determine today to make someone’s day by giving them a smile.

I carry small snack bags with a couple hard candies and a little encouraging Scripture promise from God. I give them to people who serve me, to people who seem worried, most often to strangers, “Here’s a little hug for you today … God bless you!” They echo my smile and I know for a brief moment, I have changed their world.

By the way, you CAN smile with a mask on; trust me on this one. Stand in front of your mirror with mask on and smile broadly. Look at your eyes twinkle! Give a smile … when you feel like it and when you don’t!

Read my article on simple, inexpensive gifts to hand out freely to all who need encouragement. You can adjust items for the season. I guarantee you will bring hope and peace to others; changing your world one smile at a time!

Here is a truth you can bank on: PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Hugs (and a big smile),

Please let me know how it’s going with you.