Afterword (part I)

 

 

Only God knows the true intent of this book. Early on, I felt bombarded through sermons as though Jesus was speaking to me about publishing this book. In one sermon I heard, Jesus got in Simon Peter’s boat and pushed the boat into the water. Jesus told Peter to let down his nets after he fished all night and did not catch anything. Peter responded, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5, NIV). He cast his nets, which were so full of fish, the nets were breaking. Another boat came—they filled both boats and they started sinking.

 

This book was written because I obeyed the Lord. 

Because You say so, Lord, I will.

God has accomplished His will in ways I’ll never know.

It was not the Lord’s will to physically heal Mom, so I was with my journal not knowing what to do. I asked my Sunday school class, the faculty, staff, and students to pray for the Lord’s wisdom. 

The answer has been clear. Walk by Faith Through Death:  Tackling the Tough Questions Concerning Death and Terminal Illness was written for His honor and glory and to bring others to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The book will minister to people going through the death of a friend, loved one, or someone with a terminal illness.

I have tried not to mask specific issues. I wanted you to see the whole picture. If I our hid problems, you would not glean helpful information. 

I have omitted specific comments made by family members to avoid upsetting them. I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. All family members aren’t mentioned by name because there are too many names for you to remember. I have tried to be careful about what information should be included and removed what was unnecessary.  

Grandmother (part IV)

They held her memorial service at 2 p.m., and it was beautifully done. Joann spoke and said the Lord helped her put everything together. She recited a poem and included many heartfelt memories that we girls shared with her. She did a fantastic job, and I know I wouldn't have been able to read it without crying. The poem is titled "Grandmother's Poem."

Most of Joann's poems included lines only my family would understand, so I just listed a few.

“A grandmother’s love, who can fathom?

Love for her family—fierce like a bear

Love for pets (poodles were her fav) and her gardens too. 

Advice on clothes, hair, nails, and manners too.

Wisdom from an immaculate, classy woman.

Stories of younger days,

Of modeling, and a Southern Bell too. 

She continued reading the poem, reminding us of all the precious memories and quirks of our wonderful grandmother, whom we all loved. 

Joann beautifully ended the poem by saying, “Grandmothers truly know what it means to LOVE unconditionally. They take pride in watching us grow & in seeing us mature. We see ourselves in them & they see their youth in us. We’ll thank God for allowing our grandmother, Margaret Royal, to love, guide & influence us.” 

Revelation (part I)

I have a revelation. The cookie shop is the Lord’s, but I did not relinquish it to Him until last week. 

     It had taken six years of waiting and asking the Lord for His wisdom, especially regarding advertising the shop.

     This revelation came in talking to a person who advertising with us. I depended on her advertisement to be my Savior and help my shop make it. The Lord showed me I must depend upon Him to keep my shop open. My back is against the wall. We didn’t have any more money to keep the shop open. It has to sustain itself.

****Photo of a child having fun decorating a cookie in the Kiddie Korral.

The "Death” of My Cookie Shop? (part II)

The Lord answered my prayers when I asked for His wisdom concerning the shop. One way this happened was through the sororities at UGA. One of my workers invited her friends on Facebook to like our shop. This small gesture led to me visiting the sororities during their chapter meetings. I’d introduce myself, tell them about my shop, and bring them cookie cakes and goodies. 

     As I was running out of contacts to help the shop, the Lord sent another person. I asked Him twice if He wanted me to do the work or if He would, and both times, He sent more people to contact. He has a sense of humor and constantly reminds me He is in control. It is incredible to see Him work.

     I set foot in the gym for the last time as a P.E. teacher in the spring of 2008. I’ve given up so much for my shop. Quitting teaching to run the cookie shop has also been like a death. It makes it harder to think about moving the shop.

     I am here with my Isaac to sacrifice. I will sacrifice the shop to help someone reading this book if necessary. I would love the Lord to bring the business needed for the shop to stay open. It will take a miracle, but I believe in a God who does miracles, and He does them well.

U What “Isaac” may you need to sacrifice? U

 

****Photo of our hand decorated bouquet of cookies.

Everything

The song that has been ministering to me lately is “Everything” by Lifehouse.  You can go to their website to view the lyrics here.  I wish there was an official video. 

Right now, I have been struggling with my lack of purpose.  I need to live up to the words of the song, and find my purpose in Him and not anything else.

U  Are you letting the Lord be your purpose and your everything?  U