THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

February 16, 2022

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

February is a month that holds many memories for me; some great and some not so good. Many life events have happened during this month for myself, as well as my family.

The first major event that occurred during the month of February was when I was 5 years old. We were having revival services at our church in February 1971 and it was during those services that I made the decision to ask Jesus into my life and became a christian. During that same revival, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Receiving Jesus at such an early age was the best decision I have ever made.

Never underestimate the ability of a child to hear about Jesus and understand what salvation means. Don't think that a 5-year old child is too young to understand what it means to be filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or to experience that gift. I am proof that it can happen, and it can last! For the past 51 years, it's been very real.

The second major event that happened to our family was the death of my mama on February 22, 1981. I was 15 years old at the time. Had I not had Jesus and my relationship with Him been established, I'm not sure I would have been able to endure and stay steadfast in my faith during this devastating loss. It was life-changing in so many ways for myself, as well as the rest of my family.

Two years later, my sister, Janie, got married on February 5^th. I was a senior in high school. Janie is the sister that I had shared a bedroom (as well as a bed) with since we were young children. Shortly after her marriage, she and Jimmy were called of God into deaf ministry. Their obedience to following where God led them was quite an adventure for almost thirty years, before Jimmy's death.

On February 5, 2005 Jon proposed to me. He had been waiting for an opportunity to meet my dad in person, so that he could ask permission to marry me. Jimmy was out of town preaching, when my oldest sister and her oldest son brought Daddy and June to Janie's house for a visit. Jon and I met them there for lunch. I had no idea what Jon's plan was! I finally got up to use the bathroom, and Jon hurriedly asked Daddy if he could marry me. I came out and sat down, and was surprised when Jon immediately knelt down in front of me and asked me to marry him. The was the second best event, for me, that had happened in February; the only one better being receiving Jesus into my life.

Other great events in my family (and Jon's) have taken place in February. It's my oldest sister's birthday month. Jon's parents anniversary was February 6^th. There are a few nieces and nephews birthday during the month, also, as well as the anniversary of a nephew.

For many years, especially as a teen and in my early twenties, my focus was on Mama's death during the month of February, and it seemed to be all that I thought of -- and dreaded -- during that month. In fact, that life event overshadowed everything else.

But I began to recognize that God had also brought about many blessings and it was my choice on what I focused on. I could celebrate the good, or allow the sorrow of the bad to prevent me from seeing the goodness of everything else that God and life had brought my way.

The truth is, even though the death of my mom brought about much sadness and sorrow to those of us left on earth, that very second that she took her last breath she was in the presence of God and was completely healed. She was spared much hardship and difficulties that she would have had to endure, had she lived. Not only has she been with her Heavenly Father these past 41 years, but she was greeted by her parents when she entered in. Over the years she has been joined by my daddy, her siblings, a son-in-law, and many other friends and family. What they are experiencing is so much better than anything we could experience here on earth! Even though I still miss her, how could I have wanted her to be here with me all of these years and have to deal with sickness, hardship, finances, family issues, etc? She's where the Father desires all of us to be; with Him for all eternity! She's where I will one day be!

It is easy for us to sometimes focus on those things that has caused us sorrow or pain. In fact, those feeling can overshadow everything else, so that we overlook the goodness and blessings of God. We miss out on the joy that God has for us, and peace is elusive. Yes, there are times of sorrow and hardship, but let's not let that become so ingrained in us that we forget to look for the good things that God places in our lives.

There is a time for death, tears, grief, etc. But there is also a time for births, laughter, dancing and love. (Ecclesiastes chapter 3) Let's not get stuck in one season, so that we miss out on the others.

Each season, whether it be summer, winter, spring, or fall, has it's benefits as well as it's downsides. But each are important. I've heard people say that they hate summer. They don't like the heat and yard work and sweating and the things that they associate with summer. But it is also a time of harvesting fresh produce, farmers reaping fruits and grains, families enjoying vacations and time spent together at the lake or on picnics. The grass is green and growing and leaves are abundant on the trees. Flowers are in bloom. There is much to be enjoyed during the summer months, if people will but look for it.

I remember Jon and I driving in the car one winter and I mentioned that I didn't like winter, because everything looked so barren and dry. Jon said that he actually enjoyed seeing the trees without their leaves, because he could actually see the shape of the limbs and trees and see how the wind and storms have shaped them; things people can't see during the summer months. After that, I've looked at trees with a different perspective. Winter is also a time when the ground is dormant and can recover, getting itself prepared for springtime and summer. Snow soaks into the soil. Snakes go into their version of hibernation -- yes!!

Springtime is a time of greenness and blooming. It's a time of warmer temperatures; as well as rainfall. Many look at that season as a time of allergies and colds, making that their focus so that they overlook the beauty and newness that God brings as things bud out and grow.

Regardless of the season, God paints the skies with sunrises and sunsets that are absolutely gorgeous! He makes nature so beautiful for our enjoyment. There's always something of beauty for us to see in the handiwork of God.

My point is, regardless of the season of life we go through, we can always find something of beauty to enjoy and appreciate; or we can get stuck in the negativity and miss out experiencing all that God places in our path. Let's choose to look for the good and the blessings of God.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

It can be hard to find the good in one particular situation. But each of us are in many situations as part of our lives. We have relationships with friends, relationships with family, most of us have work, church, and hobbies. Sometimes we might have to search to find something where we can truly feel blessed in a season of our lives.

But we can always cling to our relationship with Jesus. He is with us in every season. He is a blessing no matter what other circumstances we may be facing. We may have to listen to Him very closely, but He can also show us where to find blessings and good from our other situations.

ON THE MENEWE:

Humble Pie

Slice the potatoes and onion into thin slices.

Place one of the pie crust into a pie pan.

Alternate layering potatoes, onion, and small chunks of uncooked sausage until pan is full and rounded up a bit; salt and pepper each layer.

Pour a half cup or so of heavy whipping cream over the top of the mixture.

Place the second crust over the top; pinch edges together and cut vent design in top.

Bake at 400 for one hour, or until crust is golden brown and potatoes are soft when pricked with a fork. Sausage will be fully cooked at this time.

Note: Ground beef can be used instead of sausage, if desired. You could also add in some shredded cheese with each layer.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

My sister, Janie, got her first kiss from a little cross-eyed boy when they were in kindergarten. She came home from school that afternoon and told Mama. Mama asked Janie what she did when he kissed her and she replied, "I pretended like I didn't notice."

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

God says don't worry about your future.

He is the author of your story and He's already written the final chapter. - Max Lucado

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org