life changing Archives -

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight saving time has always been a mystery to me. I’ve never been able to recoup the time I’m “saving”!

Seriously, years ago, daylight saving time had a big impact on my life! Two years after my father died, my husband had a fatal heart attack (two days before his 44th birthday, two weeks after he accepted Jesus as his Savior).

Momma and I began looking for a church home and had visited several in the community when we decided to go to a church down the road from my house. For some great quotes on trusting God to lead, click here.

“Mother, I do not want to go to their Sunday School class, just worship. They advertise a Single Adult SS Class and I am totally not interested in getting into a class of singles! Mercy, no!”

“Not a problem, Honey. We’ll just visit the church services and see where God wants us.”

Momma always came over early for coffee and chit chat before our outings. However, this particular morning it seemed we didn’t have much time to waste. It was the last Sunday in October and I KNOW I changed the clocks back one hour. However, it was time to head out.

You know before I say it that we ended up smack dab in the middle of a huge Single Adult Sunday School class! And, the preacher was the teacher! I did not know nor did I care that he was widowed. I just wanted to get out of there and get to worship and go home!

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

I’ll cut to the chase; some years later here we are with our five grandchildren! Together we have four wonderful children, two adopted, two foster; each completely ours and loved unconditionally! We have been blessed with eight greats and still counting!

Mother stayed in that church for years and was able to minister in the single adult department and in LIFT Class, a ladies’ Bible study class that we began.

Now as Mrs. Preach, I went with hubby to pastor in Oklahoma, California, and back to Fair Play, MO., before he “retired” in 2000. (He has been Director of Missions in Dallas County MO now for almost 20 years … I am not going with him if he “retires” again!)

Seriously, God can use daylight saving time or any other time to change our direction if we just stay open to His leadership. I am so very thankful to Him for all He has given me and my family through the years. This country gal is blessed beyond measure!

(Keep watching, I’m working on Our Story now. Working title is “I Never did Like Preachers” sub title, ’til I married one! Prayers seriously appreciated.)

Life Changing Value of a Caring Smile

This week I learned of my brother’s good example of a caring smile offered hope for others and encouragement. I think he was as surprised as I that his simple acts of kindness meant so much to others.

We were leaving a gospel concert when an enthusiastic lady practically jumped into his arms. The two of them hugged, giggled, wept like long-lost family as I stood by. He finally introduced me to Lois.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said. “I’m sure you are wondering who in the world I am!”

Well, that was indeed an understatement.

“Your brother saved my life. I do not know how I could have made it through the past few months without his caring smile.” As Lois shared her story, I saw a different side of my little brother. Lois’ husband had been in dialysis three times a week with Richard. Apparently, her husband did not take it well, was harsh with her and gave the employees a difficult time.

She said Richard’s steady smile had saved her much pain. “Walking out of that place and seeing your brother’s broad smile and bright twinkling eyes gave me courage to keep going one more day.”

Apparently her husband had to be coaxed into returning each visit and grumbled and complained the entire four hours.

My brother, on the other hand, had accepted this as a part of life; he followed doctor’s orders as far as eating and activities and readily came to his appointments. He chose to look beyond his circumstances and encourage those around him.

I am told that he often brings the men and women working in that unit freshly baked treats. He also brings them his first Iris blooms, given heartily with hugs and smiles.

I did not know my brother was such a ray of sunshine! He has chosen to be an encourager and live every day of his life for others regardless of circumstances. I am proud of him.

Perhaps this is a lesson for each of us. When we get tired and want to run away, maybe we need to find someone needing a hug or smile and therefore lighten both our loads.

God bless you on your journey, let me hear from you.