Through The Years

Throughout my life, I have witnessed many miracles. Some of these miracles affected me indirectly, but several actually had life changing effects! Every one of these miracles influenced the person I am today.

As a child growing up in a middle class home in a small town, I observed the miracle of God’s Amazing Grace and Love in the lives of family members and friends. Couples who thought they would never have children were given the opportunity to experience the joy of being parents through adoption.

Several times in my marriage, Clyde encountered dangerous incidents, and God always kept him safe.  Once he was working on a truck that he was rebuilding, and the truck fell on him.  Chris was with him, and he was able to lift the truck and pull his dad to safety.

For several years, I suffered with migraine headaches and horrific pain in my left shoulder and arm. Different doctors gave me prescriptions, which never helped. Finally, I began to lose the use of my arm and hand, and I became extremely concerned.

The morning of my surgery, Doctor Lane came in to talk to me before they took me to the operating room. He prayed for me, for success of the procedure, and for every person involved. His prayer reinforced my peace of mind.  I knew I would be fine.

During surgery, I saw a really bright light.  In the light I saw Jesus and Clyde hand in hand. Neither one said anything and just stood there like they were keeping me safe. From that moment until this day, I have had absolutely no pain in my arm or shoulder.  I took medication for one day after surgery; but due to an allergy to the medicine, I was unable to continue taking it. 

God is in the business of miracles, and I know I have been the recipient of many.  He wrote each of us in his hand and protects us over and over.   When we need healing, we have to pray for God to bless us. Psalm 107:20, Psalm 103:3, I Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5, James 5:16,Romans 8:38-39; Isaiah 49:16

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17

A word, a song, a sound, a smell, a taste, a smile, a breeze, and the list goes on and on! It does not take much to cause the memories and tears to start to flow. At times, I think I am getting better on this journey, and then something happens to reopen the wound in my heart.  At times, the feelings are so strong that it seems as though my chest and whole body is about to explode!

God does not make mistakes!  In my mind and heart, I know this is true, but it is so difficult to accept.   Listening to music has always been a way to deal with the everyday life events that seem to bombard me at times.  In the past, my piano or organ served as my refuge. I am so happy that my children and grandchildren love music, too. Clyde could be heard often singing, “Zippidy Doo Da!”  It always made my heart happy to hear him singing. 

Cason has brought so much joy to my life with his love of music. He keeps me entertained with his performances.   Christian, Logan, and Alden have been such a blessings, also.  Each day, I thank my Heavenly Father for giving me such a wonderful family and friends. I also am thankful for music and its healing powers. 
 

May God Bless each of you with His Love and His Grace.

Hester

Much of my time now is spent  making memories.  Time spent with my grandchildren is so precious to me because it brings back memories of my childhood.  Family has always been very important to me.  I was the oldest child in my family, and a lot of responsibility came with that role.  I had three brothers and one sister.  My mother and daddy worked long hours so that meant I had to “take care of” my siblings.  From a very young age, I learned to be a “mother figure.”

The past year has been a learning process for me. For the first time in my life, I know what it is like to be absolutely alone. God has been my strength and my constant companion, and He has wiped many tears. With much trepidation, I have approached many “firsts!”  I have done so many things I have never attempted before, especially by myself.  To be perfectly honest, sometimes I was really scared. I believe Clyde would be proud of me. 

Family and friends took on an entirely new meaning. My wonderful children(both the ones I gave birth to and the ones who “joined” my family by marriage and love) and grandchildren surrounded me with love, comfort, and support.  Longtime, new, and Facebook Friends who I have never met personally have been such a comfort to me.  I am truly blessed. 

I am approaching this phase of my life with optimism and caution and with God always first.  I am thankful for everything and everyone I encounter because of opportunities to witness for Christ.  My hopes and dreams are to make a difference and help all God’s Children that I meet. 

On May 26, 1943, I was born to Willie Mack Peavey and Daisy Vaughn Peavey, who were the most loving, caring, and giving parents that any child could ever be fortunate to have. As a young baby, I traveled with my mother across the eastern United States as we followed my daddy, who was serving our great country. The first two years of my life were spent following him from base to base.

Just before my oldest brother was born, we went back to Waycross, Georgia to stay with my paternal grandmother until Daddy came home.  I realize now that I was quite a challenge. My grandmother doted on me and spoiled me by always taking my side. I am sure my mother must have shed a few tears over her two year old little bundle of joy.

When I was about 2 1/2, Mom had put me in timeout in the bathroom. I don’t remember what my crime was, but I wasn’t a happy camper. While I was in that bathroom, I managed to unroll several rolls of tissue, dumped the dirty clothes hamper all over the floor, and was in the middle of taking everything out of the cabinet under the sink. All of a sudden, I heard the door opening and turned toward it.  My mother was there to take me out of timeout!  The look on her face told me I was definitely in for something worse than timeout!

After most storms, there is usually a time of straightening and cleaning.  Clyde would always go out and get the pinecones, moss, and debris out of our yard.  He was diligent about having a neat lawn.  Some “storms” are emotional and leave a different kind of debris!  The emotional storms can wreak havoc and even destroy relationships if we don’t gain control quickly. 

When Clyde died, I experienced the worst storm of my life.  I was devastated when my daddy and my mother passed. I felt deep sorrow when my first child was stillborn.   When my nephew and brother died, I had a difficult time dealing with their deaths.     I have lost many friends and loved ones, but nothing had bombarded me like this. The emotions that engulfed me after Clyde’s death were indescribable!  I knew God had everything in control, and I trusted Him.  However, I didn’t know how I would survive without my soulmate, the love of my life, my best friend. The idea of facing the future without him was heartbreaking!  

Clyde had underlined Matthew 6:19-21 in his Bible. Verse 21 took on a new meaning for me:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. I know without a doubt Clyde is in Heaven, and someday I will join him. In the meantime, I must be about my Father’s Business. 

Christian family members and friends were and still are a lifeline that I grabbed hold of and held on for dear life.  The straightening and cleaning after this “storm” will never end, but knowing I don’t have to face it alone is a relief. God has my back!