Helping Mom Celebrate her Birthday

Blessing

Recently I was with my sister, Ferne, caring for her and nursing her back to health, as well getting her prepared to move to her daughter's home to live.
While there, she passed on to me a little leather bound book called "Just For Today".  A friend gave it to her in 1959.  It's a precious old book, full of quotes from people long gone.

On the 12th of March, I read:

"The really devout man moves on his daily road in simplicity and confidence.
He is firmly set to refuse nothing God asks of him, to yield in no way to self love; never to be guilty of any deliberate fault; but at the same time he does not torment and worry himself with petty vexations.  If he falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way. . . he is never surprised at his own weakness and imperfection, neither is he discouraged by them. . . knowing that of himself he can do nothing; through God's help, everything; he does not trust in his own good intentions and resolutions, but solely in God's grace and goodness.
Were he to fall a hundred times in the day he would not despair. . . he would rather cry out to God, appealing to His tender pity.  The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong.
Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt."  --Jean Nicolas Grou, 1700s.

This is Carlin.  This was Carlin.

Thanking God for Carlin and you, today!!

My Dear Marcia:

Trust you have had a wonderful, enjoyable few days with friends and family celebrating Christmas.  Today has been a quiet day after the hustle and bustle of December ministry at Willingdon and the past week of precious time with family!!!  After much entertaining, and busyness over the past few days, I cozied by the woodstove!!  It was such a treat!!!  Joined by my Bible and a book, God brought Carlin and you to my heart and mind.

In January, I begin a course from Western Seminary on "Women in Leadership", and one of the books I'm required to read is "Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership."  I started the first chapter today, which begins "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?  Is anything worth more than your soul?" Matthew 16:26 NLT  The first chapter reinforces the importance and essential truth of "soul care" and the importance of leadership flowing out of solitude and God encounters.  As I closed this chapter, in solitude and serenity of soul, the Holy Spirit reminded me of our beloved Pastor Carlin singing "I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship You, Oh My Soul rejoice!!  Take Joy my King, in what You hear, May it be a sweet, sweet sound to Your ear."  I was reminded of his godly influence and strong spiritual leadership and knew this flowed out of his personal God encounters and the soul care He provided to others was the direct result of the time He spent in solitude to care for his soul.  Clive and I are often reminded of Carlin's leadership, His genuine love for the Lord and God's people.  We miss him, and know if we sense His absence, how much greater you must miss him!!!  May you be comforted today, my sweet sister, to know that God continues to minister and encounter souls, strengthening them in leadership through you and Carlin's godly example!!  How blessed we are!!!

As December draws to a close and the calendar turns to Jan. 2016, be reminded, my precious one, that you are loved with an everlasting love, (Jer. 31:3) and deeply appreciated!!!  I pray for you, thanking God for you!! I am also reminded as we prepare for a New Year of Luke 12:37 "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake (watching) when he comes."  What great hope and anticipation we share as we watch for His return!!!

Prayers & Love,

Amy

Trying to be Strong

One of the last things Carlin said to me was, "Marcia, be strong."  Here I am, trying to be strong.      

Family

Comfort with family.

Comforts with friends.

Memories. Dr Alex

Dr. Paul Magnus, recipient of Grandpa's robe.

Grandson, Alex, hamming it up with Grandpa's doctoral robe.

Comfort in gardening.