Tribute to a Life Well Lived

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!

 

 

Join Me in a Healthier Summer

Join me in a healthier summer

Taco Tomatoes

Chili Chicken with Hominy Hash

Grilled Spicy Chicken with Hominy Hash

To join me in a healthier summer means eating better and moving more. Are you ready to roll?

Let’s face it, whether you are single or have a large family, a caregiver, or have small children, it’s difficult to serve nutritious meals every day.  Often it seems easier and quicker to use fast foods or boxed mixes.

Add to that, it’s difficult to find (or make) time to exercise properly. Summer is here and my bod’s not ready, how about yours?

Finding myself unable to do some of my basic tasks has reminded me of the need to make daily changes to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few of my goals for a healthier summer. Want to join me?

#1 Plan what I will eat each day.

Plan what I will eat each day” Hmmm! I plan already, I plan to eat all that’s set before me! Well, I don’t think that’s much of a plan, do you? The truth is, without another plan, my healthy lifestyle is doomed from day one.

Sadly I admit  I have all too often relied on fast foods or boxed mixes because they are easy and at least seem to be cheaper to prepare. Click here for healthy, quick meals that are easy on the budget!

#2 Determine my triggers. 

I took time to look at my most troubling foods and determined to eliminate those as much as possible. (Goodbye salty snacks and bargain baked goods!) What are some of your triggers that could be eliminated or cut down a bit? Bread, sugars, others?

#3 Incorporate movement.

To incorporate movement is simply plan to move more., get some exercise each day. I did better this week because I planned for at least ten minutes of exercise in the early morning.  My main challenge is to make myself get up and at least stretch a bit or walk through the house every hour or so. It’s easy to spend two or three hours glued to my seat as I finish an article or work on the computer.

#4 Make it fun and enjoyable.

I enjoy walking, especially in our woods. I used to walk down the hill through the walnut grove and across our little bridge. Truthfully, today I can’t walk around the outside of our home without stopping to rest. (Sad to admit, but honest!)

What is your main challenge to a healthy lifestyle? If you need more exercise, remember to begin slow. We seem to think we need to begin with hours of exercise. A few minutes a day can and will make a world of difference, especially in how you feel–you will feel better and look better.

Here is another great link for healthy, easy meals. Enjoy and please let me hear what is working for you.

Healthy Hugs,

Have you checked out Quick Nutritious Meals for Your Family?

A Glimpse of Our Heavenly Father’s Love

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Spend a few minutes looking into the face of this precious child.

Catch the glimpse of total love and abandonment in those eyes. Are you aware that you have a Heavenly Father who looks at you like that?

His love for you does not change with your behavior. His love is constant, tender, merciful. Jesus said: “I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me…do not doubt My love for you.” from John 15:9

Do you understand that He knew you before you were born? You are a part of God’s plan. Read Psalms 139 to get a glimpse of His overwhelming love for you.

See how tenderly she holds that sweet baby?

Do you honestly understand and know that your Heavenly Father holds you in His arms in the same way? He wants to cuddle you when you hurt. He wants to heal your broken heart. He longs to share your joys.

He stands ready to answer your prayers. “Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

Our Father in heaven, Creator of the universe, has a love for you beyond understanding. He sent His one and only son, Jesus, to prepare the way for you to have life eternal in heaven with Him. He desires your fellowship.

Click here to learn more about this Amazing Love.

I’m sure your life, like mine, has been topsy-turvy of late. I find it too easy to slip off course; to get angry or to feel I’ve done something wrong or hurt someone.

If I’m not careful, I lose track of Who is really in control of our world (and my personal space). I pray often for God to “take the wheel” of my life.

How about you? Have you asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your personal Savior? If so, you can be sure of a Father’s unending love.

Let’s thank Him together for that love.

Father, I thank you personally for loving me. I ask for Your Grace to love others in the same way. Help me to share Your Love with all you put in my life.

Sending you warm hugs,

If you didn’t follow the link earlier, please do so now. There’s a great little story and some Bible verses to help you stay strong in the Lord. Don’t forget to leave a note; look forward to hearing from you.