tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137579288863221092024-03-13T21:16:13.041-07:00Carlin's Journey - Safely Home<a href="http://carlinsjourney.blogspot.ca/2014/04/carlin-is-now-safely-home.html"><b>Marcia's blog: Carlin is now Safely Home</b></a><br>
<b>Email your Carlinisms and memories to<br> CarlinAndMarcia@gmail.com for posting </b><br><a href="http://carlinsjourney.blogspot.ca/2014/05/memorial-service-on-line-link.html">Memorial Service</a><br>
Click here <a href="http://www.carlinsjourney.blogspot.ca/2014/04/carlins-eulogy.html"><b>Carlin's Eulogy</b></a><br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-26857923653498142792017-01-31T14:24:00.000-08:002017-01-31T19:26:48.607-08:00Helping Mom Celebrate her Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-6652782542541347642016-05-04T13:54:00.001-07:002016-05-04T13:54:51.185-07:00Blessing<p dir="ltr">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.<br> 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.</p> <p dir="ltr">On the 12th of March, I read:</p> <p dir="ltr">"The really devout man moves on his daily road in simplicity and confidence.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> 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.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is Carlin. This was Carlin.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-51102854390999479902015-12-29T18:21:00.001-08:002015-12-29T18:21:07.377-08:00Thanking God for Carlin and you, today!!<p dir="ltr">My Dear Marcia:</p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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!!! </p> <p dir="ltr">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!!! </p> <p dir="ltr">Prayers & Love,</p> <p dir="ltr">Amy</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-19427999709481073912015-08-30T19:11:00.000-07:002017-01-31T19:43:20.153-08:00Trying to be Strong<div class="mobile-photo">
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<pre>One of the last things Carlin said to me was, "Marcia, be strong." Here I am, trying to be strong. </pre>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-70954010734618591522015-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:002017-02-02T20:30:49.064-08:00Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Comfort with family.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-90873274864934064572015-08-27T19:08:00.000-07:002017-02-04T17:52:55.803-08:00Comforts with friends.<div class="mobile-photo">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-73973922912688165642015-08-26T19:05:00.000-07:002017-01-31T19:49:31.155-08:00Memories. Dr Alex<div class="mobile-photo">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-19330607321885275472015-08-25T19:47:00.001-07:002015-12-22T19:06:05.195-08:00Some of the family.<div class="mobile-photo">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-67828276741049088452015-05-05T15:08:00.000-07:002015-05-06T15:11:12.380-07:00Sunday was the one year mark since Carlin’s Memorial Service<div class="MsoNormal">
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few days ago, a friend, a dear long-time friend, called to ask how I
was doing and to pass on some words of comfort. I was blessed. But
after the conversation, it hit me that here is someone who reaches out
to speak comfort, when he is needing encouragements living with his dear
wife who has Alzheimers. Day in and day out, as the days roll on, he
is there helping her. I think I failed to comfort him. Pray for him,
as you do pray for those you know who so need a touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Sunday
was the one year mark since Carlin’s Memorial Service. These days are
lonelier. But God gives me so many special things. i.e. coming across
what Isaac Watts wrote: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“My God how endless is Thy love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Thy gifts are every evening new,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> And morning mercies from above<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> gently distill like early dew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Thou spreadest the curtains of the night—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Great Guardian of my sleeping hours;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Thy Sovereign word restores the light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> And quickens all my drowsy powers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> I yield my powers to Thy command<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> To Thee I consecrate my days;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> Perpetual blessings from Thy hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> demand perpetual songs of praise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Those
last two phrases hit me. Yes, perpetual praise. God inhabits the
praises of His people! The spirit of praise for the spirit of
heaviness. I will sing praise because He is worthy of all my praise.
(I feel like I’m preaching a sermon! Not intended.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Anita Corrine Donahue prayed this—it expresses so much where I am at right now:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Thank
you for loving me. From You came my very being. In You is my course
of life. You know my needs, my abilities, my longings. You listen to
my joys, my sadness, my frustrations, my dreams. You are my everlasting
Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Thank
You for always being present with me. When I call on Your name, I
praise You for already being here. My Abba, which art in Heaven.
Tender love. You hear my cry. You see me whole, complete, pure, healed
because You see me through Jesus. Thank You for providing a Paraclete,
the One Who is able to carry away the sins of the whole world. Thank
you that Jesus is there at Your right hand, interceding for me. My
comfort by day, and my song in the night, my hope, my salvation, my
all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">See
how wonderfully God gives comforts throughout the days! Different
things are reminders of His awesome, unfailing, everlasting love and
care. Even phone calls from dear old friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I trust you are blessed today. Thank you for your notes telling me you are still praying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Marcia </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-84965753347504177022015-04-10T19:19:00.000-07:002015-12-22T19:21:20.234-08:00Words in the margins<div class="moz-forward-container">
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hi Marcia,<o:p></o:p><o:p><br /> </o:p>I wrote this email last week, but I wasn't sure if I should send it. I have to honestly say that I do not have a lot of experience walking along side someone who is in deep mourning. You want to be helpful and encouraging, but it is not always clear what you should or should not do or say. So, I have decided to share the email with you in the hope that it will be helpful. We love you deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">J.P.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p><o:p><br /> D</o:p>ear Marcia,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p>I am often deeply touched and inspired by the words underlined and written by Carlin in the margins of Charles Spurgeon's devotional book. There are reflections of his thoughts and indications of what captured his attention among the many ideas shared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">On April 10th, I see prophetic words, perhaps the last Carlin wrote in the book. These words are a beautiful promise from Jesus and speak of a loving Lord who walks with us. I know that these words must be deeply treasured as they speak of faithful assurance. The Lord's promises are true and they are full of blessing for those who love Him. I know that one day, each of us will have a chance to walk away with Him. Oh what a glorious day that will be. Our Father in heaven is full of loving-kindness, mercy and grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">2 Corinthians 1:3 tells us that blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Your story about meeting the woman at the garage is such a beautiful testimony to this truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I pray that we will be able to serve in the fullness of all that we experience in life, both in joy and suffering, and that we will be able to bring Him glory in all that we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the whole earth to strengthen the hearts of those who are fully committed to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">May the Lord bless you and keep you and turn His face towards you and give you peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">J.P.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-32014102036886549232015-04-09T13:44:00.000-07:002017-01-31T19:46:22.213-08:00One Year Ago<div class="line" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dear Marcia,</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve
noticed on our calendar that it’s approaching a year since your lover,
Carlin, and our friend, was taken from you and us to live forever with
Jesus, the One he loved and served so enthusiastically. </div>
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What can we say,
we’ve no experience to share that’s even close to what you’ve
experienced for the past year. This last 18 month journey you’ve had to
make on your own. </div>
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</div>
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All of us, who love you dearly, have done what we
could, to show our love and share your sorrow; however, your journey
you’ve had to make mostly on your own. The quiet meals, the silent
evenings, the empty bed beside you you’ve suffered alone. Only a loving
God, who suffered the loss of His Son can really understand and say
words of comfort to your heart and soul. He too suffered alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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</div>
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I’ve
just read the devotional message our Mel gave to a couple who grew up
in his church in Prince George. This couple, Murray and Rebecca, buried
their 10 day old baby a few days ago, who died of a congenital
malformation of her brain blood circulation. Mel and LaDonna drove from
Edmonton to Prince George to speak at the memorial service. At our
request he forwarded his notes to us. I’d like to share a small bit of
his devotional with you. He spoke from Psalm 86.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 86:11-16</span> </span></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Teach me Your way, Yahweh,</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span class="text">and I will live by Your truth.</span> <span class="text">Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>12 </sup></b>I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God,</span> <span class="text">and will honor Your name forever.</span><br /><span class="text"><b><sup>13 </sup></b>For Your faithful love for me is great,</span> <span class="text">and You deliver my life from the depths of Sheol. <b><sup>14 </sup></b>God, arrogant people have attacked me;</span> <span class="text">a gang of ruthless men seeks my life.</span> <span class="text">They have no regard for You.</span><br /><span class="text"><b><sup>15 </sup></b>But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,</span> <span class="text">slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>16 </sup></b>Turn to me and be gracious to me.</span> <span class="text">Give <b>Your</b> strength to <b>Your</b> servant;</span> <span class="text">save the son of Your female servant."</span></span></span></i><o:p></o:p><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
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</div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 28.35pt; margin-right: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">"Murray
and Rebecca, we want to tell you that what we see in you is that you
are not just wanting God to do something for you … you are desiring in
this journey to learn from him so that you can become like him – </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Teach me your way</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> … you are making a commitment, even in the face of this tough journey, to not allow yourself to develop a </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">divided mind.</span></i></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It is on the basis of that commitment that David asks God for one thing … </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Give <b>your</b> strength to <b>your </b>servant.”</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
And that, our dear friends, is perhaps the best way to summarize what
we are praying for you today … and as you move forward … <b><i>Lord, give </i></b></span></span><span class="text"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">your</span></u></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> strength to these </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">your dear</span></u></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> servants.</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.5pt;">”</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 28.35pt; margin-right: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14.5pt;">We cannot say it better. Allow me to change the last line of Mel’s devotional for you: "<b>Lord, give Your strength to our dear Marcia, your dear servant."</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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With our love,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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George and Kay</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-50490967350296940822015-04-07T13:39:00.000-07:002015-04-11T13:40:19.093-07:00A year without Carlin<div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Hello
Marcia. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I have thought many times of you and Carlin this past year.
Today I went searching for your email address and recalled that Joy
Locken had sent it to me last year. I also had the blog address and read
your recent entry. I was pleased that you shared your heart. Hopefully
others will see it and continue to lift up your family to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In
our day we move on from event to event with such speed that we forget
about the continuing impact of losses, accidents, tragedies of all
kinds. Maybe we don't forget but we are so drawn into the next event
that no time is given to really reflect on what has happened and how it
affects "the survivors" - the ones who remain with memories and who
struggle to face life in a new dimension. I think your comments were
"right on". God, who gives us the faculty of memory also sustains us by
helping us recall, not just what we have lost but also what we still
have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Carlin
and I were good friends at Briercrest and I am confident that we would
have become better friends if our lives had been more "entwined". Given
the opportunity I am sure we would have "spurred one another on toward
love and good deeds". Many years ago we had lunch together in Vancouver
and I recall his pleasure in recounting that his children and
grandchildren "loved Jesus". This was his heart (and yours too), to
see succeeding generations follow the Lord. He did his part well and now
you are left to love and lead them alone. May you have great joy
(amidst the sorrow) as you build into your grandchildren's lives in the
years ahead. There is no greater pleasure for old people like us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
have marked in my calendar to pray for you on the 19th. Your name is
beside Sarah, my oldest granddaughter who returns from Israel that day
after 3 months in "on site studies". How exciting to see them "fly
higher" than we ever dreamed possible. May your delights be just as
refreshing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Sincerely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Wayne Attwood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Muriel Attwood</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-31522794699797154172015-03-22T15:27:00.000-07:002015-03-24T15:33:44.142-07:00Almost a Year<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Each
morning, among my devotional books, I read Carlin’s Morning By Morning
by Charles H. Spurgeon. As I hold this book, I know I am touching
Carlin’s fingerprints, touching a book he treasured. I am moved by the
phrases he has underlined, and the dates and comments he has made in the
margins. Carlin was never into journaling, but, oh, yes, as you pick
up any Bible or book he has read, there is obvious evidence of who he
was and what meant a lot to him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Carlin was a tender hearted, gentle
person. I try to imagine what his joy must be as he is in the presence
of Jesus now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">So,
what am I left with? Half a person sometimes. I feel like my days
now, near the anniversary of his death are with heavy feet, plodding
along. I shuffle through the memories of the last year, this time, with
Carlin fading fast before my very eyes. Then, came home hospice care,
where he was put on morphine and other medications. I’m still not sure
if all that was necessary. I know the morphine took him from me days
before he actually breathed his last breath on April 19, 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">What
a day to now mark as an anniversary! I plan to go to the cemetery and
sit a long while contemplating. I will consider our almost 52 years
together and how awesome God has been, as the song says, “Jesus led me
all the way.” I’ll think on Scripture verses. I’ll praise Him for His
tender love and care for Carlin, and now for me as I am charting out a
different life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I am so very grateful for friends who seem to speak and listen at just the right moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
am so very grateful for “the cottage” which has been in need of some
repairs, and I’m grateful how God has led me to people to help to pull
it off. One example: we took out the old wood stove, and installed a
gas insert fireplace. Oh, how grateful I am for that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
know my time of grieving is poignant. I feel out of place in a grief
group I attend once per month, and I feel in a different space just
being in church Sunday by Sunday. It’s hard to explain. But it seems I
want to change things—me, the older, mature, grieving woman. I must
remember it is just my space right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">But I am grateful, so grateful, for God’s presence with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">In another devotional book I read the other day, this jumped out at me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“It
is a great comfort to me to realize anew that it is God and only God I
need. ‘Thou, O Lord, art the thing I long for.’ Psalm 7:5. Yes, it is
He, my Lord, my Beloved Who satisfies my heart and makes me whole and
strong however pressed the outward man may be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">That’s pretty much it. Praise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Marcia</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-80029218623821553942015-03-09T03:17:00.000-07:002015-03-21T03:18:01.690-07:00You and Carlin Blessed Me<div dir="ltr">
Greetings Marcia. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
As I was reading Colossians today I was reminded of your blog and my desire to write to you a year ago.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
You probably don't remember me because I only met you once but that encounter left an impression on me. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
When I was 15 I began attending Willingdon and quickly joined the choir even though I wasn't a believer, but I wanted to feel like I belonged, like I had a family. </div>
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I had a rocky childhood growing up more then poor on a reservation and when I started to attend church most of my family didn't understand since they had rough experiences in residential schools. </div>
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Well in 2004 I signed up for TREK and when it came time for us trekkers to invite people to our coffee and cake send off I had no family that wanted to come. </div>
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On the night of the event I saw you and Carlin in attendance and when it was time for people to pray for each group, you two walked up and put your arms around me and prayed for my team. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was so Blessed by that, you showed up and my heart still smiles when I think about it.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Thank you, Leaha. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-39554155508635988532015-02-17T03:13:00.000-08:002015-03-21T03:14:14.771-07:00Carlin and a Wedding Song<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Dear Marcia:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">We often think fondly of you and Carlin.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">The days surely bring many laughs from memories of that guy, but also many tears of missing him.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">I thought you might like to read my February 15, 2015 Philippians Journal entry, cut ‘n pasted below.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Love in Christ,<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Grahame for Grahame & Karen Nicolson<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";">______________________________<wbr></wbr>_____________________________<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";">February 15, 2015 Journal Entry<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">[</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Continuation of<b> 5. Encouragement to Stand Firm, Striving for the Faith of the Gospel – 1:27-30]<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Philippians 1:27-30</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">: <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">27 </span></span></sup>Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">28 </span></span></sup>in no way alarmed by <i>your</i> opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that <i>too,</i> from God. <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">29 </span></span></sup><b>For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake</b>, <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">30 </span></span></sup>experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear <i>to be</i> in me. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";">v.29: “<b>For to you it has been granted</b> for Christ's sake….<b>”<u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></div>
<pre style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11pt;">The early morning hours of today found Karen and me in each other’s arms as we struggled over a serious family concern. In our conversation and in my prayer, I quoted part of a hymn our old friend (now with the Lord he faithfully served) Carlin Weinhauer sang at our wedding: <u></u><u></u></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11pt;">God be with them while they pray through a dark and troubled day….<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></pre>
<pre style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 9pt;"> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> —from “God be with Them While They Stand” by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1825-1897<u></u><u></u></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></pre>
<pre style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11pt;">Yes, those dark and troubled days do come, but only in the master plan and under the control of our redeeming God. To us all joys and trials are “granted”! <u></u><u></u></span></pre>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;<br />We may trust Him fully all for us to do; they who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; text-transform: uppercase;">Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 9pt;">— from “Like a River Glorious” by Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836-1869<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic";">Sentence prayer: Once again as I face a troubled day, I come to You, dear Savior, trembling in Your arms that never tremble around me.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-90439916363353299852014-12-23T18:54:00.001-08:002017-01-31T19:42:49.862-08:00Christmas<div dir="ltr">
Hi Marcia,</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I just wanted to send you a quick email to tell you that you I will be praying for you during this first Christmas without your dear husband.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
You have been on my mind lots these past few days. As you are well aware, these holidays are hard on the heart. (especially the "Firsts"!) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was reading your blog and loved one of the quotes… "That God will give you moments of joy to mix with the tears". What beautiful words. This is my prayer for you as well. Carlin is safe in heaven and I know you are rejoicing in that but your heart also aches and longs to be with him. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I pray that God will mend your broken heart. That He will hold you in the palm of his great big hands and give you the comfort and peace that you crave. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I also will be praying for your Children and your Grandchildren. Give my Lynda an extra big hug!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
You have a special place in my heart!</div>
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Big Christmas Hugs,</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Love</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Rose Strohschein</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-24211912712393442952014-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:002014-11-15T12:30:09.660-08:00Through the Seasons of Grief<span style="font-size: x-small;">I received this letter yesterday, and am so very moved and grateful for the comforters God has given me over these months since Carlin passed away. I wanted to share this with you.<br />
<br />
Amazing grace, sweet peace.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Marcia<br />
<br />
Dear Marcia,<br />
<br />
Oh how we love you! It was so good to see you Friday at the Trinity game to watch the MEI band perform. I do not think that I can even begin to understand a loss as great as yours. I pray for you each day. I want you to know that it is a gift to me to be able to serve you any way that I can, so I am blessed every time I can offer some form of help. Please always feel free to call or email so as to not deprive me of the joy of being of a service to you.<br />
<br />
I was looking forward to seeing you today if only to share a word from the Lord. I guess I will have to do this by email which is also fine. Last week, I encountered a time of deep, spirit-led prayer and there were some words given to me. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:3, words are given "for edification and exhortation and consolation" (NASB). As I prayed for you Marcia, the words were - "You are home." I sense a deep longing in you to be with Carlin again, together in the arms of Jesus, but I felt the Lord speak loving words that you are home right now. Here, among those who love you so deeply, is a home for a season. We love you and want to share this home with you until, one day, we all reach the home of our Father.<br />
<br />
This last weekend I was in the hospital. I have since learned that I have a stomach ulcer which resulted in internal bleeding. Lying in a hospital bed, Sam brought me a book she knew I treasured dearly to encourage my heart. Here are the words Charles Spurgeon wrote for November 10th:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
DEUTERONOMY 33:27 "The eternal God is thy refuge."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The word refuge may be translated "mansion" or "abiding-place", which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fullness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far is our blessed God, in whom we live and move, and have our being. It is at home that we feel safe: we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So when we are with our God we "fear no evil". He is our shelter and retreat, our abiding refuge. At home, we take our rest; it is there we find repose after the fatigue and toil of the day. And so our hearts find rest in God, when, wearied with life's conflict, we turn to Him, and our soul dwells at ease. At home, also, we let our hearts loose; we are not afraid of being misunderstood, nor of our words being misconstrued. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So when we are with God we can commune freely with Him, laying open all our hidden desires; for if the "secrets of the Lord is with them that fear Him," the secrets of them that fear Him ought to be, and must be, with their Lord. Home, too, is the place of our truest and purest happiness: and it is in God that our hearts find their deepest delight. We have joy in Him which far surpasses all other joy. It is also for home that we work and labour. The thought of it gives strength to bear the daily burden, and quickens the fingers to perform the task; and in this sense we may also say that God is our home. Love to Him strengthens us. We think of Him in the person of His dear Son; and a glimpse of the suffering face of the Redeemer constrains us to labour in His cause. We feel that we must work, for we have brethren yet to be saved, and we have our Father's heart to make glad by bringing home His wandering sons; we would fill with holy mirth the sacred family among whom we dwell. Happy are those who have thus the God of Jacob for their refuge!</blockquote>
So my dear Marcia, I hope we can share this earthly home together for a while longer. I told Sam and Sarah while we were in the emergency ward that I had asked God for one thing in my prayers - if God does indeed send a chariot for us to bring us Home, I asked if Carlin could be the one who met me. I miss him deeply and I look forward to seeing him again at the time that the Lord has appointed for us all to be together with Jesus. <br />
<br />
May the Lord bless you today. May He give you moments of joy to mix with the tears. May He be your comforter and counsellor. In Him, may you find a deep and restful peace.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
J.P.<br />
<br />
On 2014-11-13, at 9:01 AM, Marcia Weinhauer wrote:<br />
<br />
Dear JP,<br />
<br />
I find I can function pretty well with my computer, at least for a while. So I won’t be dropping it off at your house this noon. I really need to sit down with you to learn some of what I’m missing.<br />
<br />
Thank you for being so very helpful and so very patient with me over all this stuff.<br />
<br />
I find, as I’ve said, that I function with half a heart and half a brain a big part of the time. They call it "Fog brain" in the books on grief. I’m encouraged that it’s not just me! <br />
<br />
I’ve been cleaning the library, and in the process, I have run into my Carlin everywhere. There are binders with his old sermons, etc., so there are tears. <br />
<br />
I’m finally able to pick up a book "Through the Seasons of Grief" my dear friend Lois gave me months ago. It helps me understand some of what I am needing to handle. There are so many things to tend to. So I will carry on as best I can with my computer. Perhaps one day when I can think we could get together and figure it all out.<br />
<br />
Have a glorious day!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Marcia</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-50685073130368100102014-10-31T18:53:00.001-07:002014-10-31T18:53:33.891-07:00How God is a husband to me<div class="WordSection1">
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">Hi, Ray, and Bloggers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">The following letter is one I sent to a dear friend who has lost her father recently and lives in a rather unhappy marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">The
list below is something that has been a great comfort and encouragement
as I have thought it through. Perhaps it will bless some of you, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Thank you for your letter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
am in the midst of having the front deck replaced, as it has rotted
some since it was built in 1992! Phew. Today I removed the brick
pavers that are on each side of the sidewalk. You probably remember.
They need to be reset. By removing them myself it saves some of the
cost of labour, etc. It was a beautiful day here today—sunshiny like
yours!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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My
heart beats with yours as you experience so many who want to be
consoling and helpful but just do not know how to, really. I appreciate
their efforts and love them for trying. We can’t expect them to know
what we are going through—ha, because I can’t put it into words myself!
God has promised grace to us, through us, I guess. You expressed your
feelings very well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I
am finding the Comforter very comforting. Just the other day I read in
my very favourite devotional book, Come Away My Beloved, how God is our
husband. It is so right where I am at! I was amazed<span style="color: #1f497d;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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“O, My beloved, ye do not need to make your path (like a snow plow),
for lo, I say unto thee, I go before you. Yea, I shall engineer
circumstances on they behalf. I am thy husband, and I will protect
thee and care for thee, and make full provision for thee.<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>I
know thy need, and I am concerned for thee: for thy peace, for thy
health, for thy strength. . .ye need to take time to renew thine
energies, both spiritual and physical. . .They that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength. And Jesus said, Come ye apart and rest a
little while. . .I minister to thee in solitude that ye may minister of
Me to others as a spontaneous overflow of our communion. . .Set thy
heart to be at peace and to sit at My feet. . .Learn to be ready, but
not to be anxious. Learn to say ‘no’ to the demands of men and to say
‘yes’ to the call of the Spirit. Etc. Etc. <span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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The next morning I was lying in bed <span style="color: #1f497d;">I began </span>thinking of all the ways God is a husband to me. It became quite a list<span style="color: #1f497d;">--</span> some are Scripture, some are songs<span style="color: #1f497d;">:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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He is altogether lovely. I am amazed that He has chosen me to be His<o:p></o:p></div>
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He loves me with perfect love. Unfailing, unchanging. He is the Lover of my soul<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is always with me<o:p></o:p></div>
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He cares for me and provides everything I need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He notices my tears and keeps them in His bottle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He forgives me<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is patient with me<o:p></o:p></div>
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He holds me by my right hand<o:p></o:p></div>
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Underneath are the everlasting arms<o:p></o:p></div>
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He hears my cry, He listens to me<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can hear His voice as He speaks to me—by the Spirit in songs, messages, my devotions, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He remembers<o:p></o:p></div>
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He comforts me in my distress<o:p></o:p></div>
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He sings over me<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is my Helper<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is a Rock, a firm, trustworthy <span style="color: #1f497d;">Person</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we travel there. . .<o:p></o:p></div>
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He keeps His promises<o:p></o:p></div>
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He whispers “peace be still” to me<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Of course, I told myself, God is so much more than a husband could possibly be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He knows all things, and everything about me and my circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He created all the beauty He has given me to enjoy<o:p></o:p></div>
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He took my infirmities and sicknesses<o:p></o:p></div>
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He gave me His Spirit to empower me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He planned my whole li<span style="color: #1f497d;">fe</span> for me—before I was even born.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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The list could go on much longer! You probably already think it’s too much! Ha.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing I know, I have no fear, for He is with me. There is none upon earth that I desire beside Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
hope some of these thoughts will encourage you, too, my precious
friend. Thank you for praying. You are on my prayer list, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems<span style="color: #1f497d;"> your husband </span>is
a very driven person, taking on more and more. Perhaps there is
something in his upbringing that caused him to need to prove he was
better than. . .could win the approval of . . .needs a lot of
affirmation???<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bless you for hanging
in there, making lemonade out of lemons. You are such a beautiful
person, and I kind of wonder if it is because of the things you have
suffered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love you,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marcia</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-54428953337102425302014-10-31T08:58:00.000-07:002014-10-31T18:59:48.235-07:00Carlin's birthdayDear Marcia,<br />
Thinking about you and praying for you on this day which would have been Carlin's birthday.<br />
<br />
We both wish that you will experience God's comfort in a very special way today.<br />
<br />
Love Ya,<br />
Mary and Bernie SchmidtAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-42147539860079343352014-10-27T18:55:00.000-07:002017-01-31T19:41:25.199-08:00Condolences<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Marcia, Cheri, Lynda and Becky:<u></u></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learnt a few weeks ago that Pastor Carlin is now with our Lord. I wanted to write and send my deepest, heartfelt condolences. My husband and I were blessed to have known him as our pastor in the ten years that we attended Willingdon Church in the 1990’s. He touched many people with his warmth, charisma, and sense of humor. I remember him as a man of deep faith and prayer. May you be comforted and may it bring a smile to all of you, knowing what a beautiful example of Christ-likeness, he was to those around him. We loved him as our pastor during the years that we were at Willingdon Church.<u></u><u></u></div>
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There are many things I remember from his sermons. Here are two of those precious nuggets. In one sermon, he gave, he talked about what we own in life. He said that we don’t really own anything and no-one owns us as, first and foremost, we belong to Jesus. With a chuckle, he added that new parents might think their babies “belong” to them or perhaps that their babies “own” them, given that no matter how tired, parents get up in the middle of the night and attend to their newborns. <u></u><u></u></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This idea that we don’t own anything, and that all we have actually belongs to God, has helped me get over various “losses” and disappointments in my life - including the sudden passing of my father almost 15 years ago. The unexpected departure felt cruel - almost violent - especially considering the difficult life dad had had, and that he was eagerly anticipating his retirement. In the months of grieving that followed, Pastor Carlin’s sermon came to mind several times. As I thought about the message he had shared all those years ago, I was able to relinquish dad to our Lord and move on to acceptance and gratitude. Dad had been “on loan” to me for 35 years. Now the Lord was calling him home. <u></u><u></u></div>
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The other nugget of encouragement was this one. Pastor Carlin was talking about prayer. At one point in the sermon he said he had no theological proof of this, but he thought of a large room that existed in Heaven, filled floor to ceiling with things that God wanted to give us, but we had never asked for. This image has remained with me all these years. Sometimes when life gets difficult and complicated, and I turn to prayer, unsure of exactly what to ask for, I think of that room. And I am inspired and encouraged. In simple faith, I ask that Thy will be done. I am confident that blessings are on their way - from that room. <u></u><u></u></div>
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We thank the Lord for the many ways Pastor Carlin touched our lives. May God continue to bring you comfort and peace. <u></u><u></u></div>
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With deepest condolences,<u></u><u></u></div>
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Hilda and David</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-3373143088729891592014-10-25T08:29:00.002-07:002014-10-25T08:40:18.681-07:00God orchestrates<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm6RpbsMScc/VEvBhk9bR6I/AAAAAAAAAJY/VyAf5vmijzU/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm6RpbsMScc/VEvBhk9bR6I/AAAAAAAAAJY/VyAf5vmijzU/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a>
I'm here at the cemetery. The headstone was installed this week. It looks really nice.
<br />
<br />
I stood here thinking over how our God so orchestrates our lives, how I married Carlin, how we lived, how God so beautifully gave us our wonderful girls and then their families. So blessed.
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Tender Father, thank You for loving us, for keeping us all those 51 plus years.
I am so comforted to know the steps forward are also orchestrated by my God!
<br />
Wish you were here.
Love to all of you.
Mom--Marcia<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm6RpbsMScc/VEvBhk9bR6I/AAAAAAAAAJY/VyAf5vmijzU/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-38110296480937047962014-09-21T12:53:00.001-07:002014-09-21T12:53:22.261-07:00Five months<p dir="ltr">Dear Friends of the Blog,</p> <p dir="ltr">It was five months ago yesterday that Carlin entered into GLORY! </p> <p dir="ltr">Do you ever wish you knew more about what loved ones who have died have experienced over the time since they passed away? I sometimes wonder why we were not given more details, but then I come back to the fact that it must be so far beyond our human ability to comprehend, that He gave us just bits of information. When we get there I imagine we will say, "Oh that's what that verse was talking about!"</p> <p dir="ltr">I am learning to handle life alone, amongst many friends and loved ones, I am alone. Not lonely, though, which I'm sure is hard to understand. I told friends yesterday that some of the time I feel strong and able for anything, and then I have bits of time when I feel as fragile as a feather blowing in the wind. There are bright, beautiful, wonderful days, and there are dreary days—and I'm not talking about the weather. Devotions are precious times of hearing my Father talk to me. I praise Him for His presence.</p> <p dir="ltr">A dear friend has written a book called Caring for Widows, You and Your Church Can Make a Difference. (Wesley M. Teterud, Baker Publishing, ISBN 0-8010-8909-3) I read it a few years ago, and then I read it after Carlin passed away. It was more profound this last time. It's a very practical, well written book. I've recently given a copy to my church leaders, as they are beginning to make plans on how to minister to widows. I've been asked to be a resource person with them as well as with a funeral director in Bellingham, who wants to begin a drop in place for widows.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is interesting how folks want to talk with you. Many say, "How are you doing?" And of course, "I'm fine," is the correct answer to the question. Some offer specific help. "Would you like me to come mow your lawn on Tuesday?" Widows need help, I think, especially initially as there are so many details to be tended to, so many things they now need to learn to handle alone. We would like to be the one doing for others, and find it hard to dredge up something others could do for you when they ask, "Is there something I could do?" Everything costs money, services cost money which we have to be careful about, so acts of service from fellow believers is truly a blessing and a gift. Abundantly appreciated.</p> <p dir="ltr">I have a sister and sister-in-law in failing health who need my care. I am weighing when I can travel to be with them and if I'm up to it yet. Thank you for praying and caring. God will bless you for it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Love,</p> <p dir="ltr">Marcia</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-56560587262424271682014-09-10T07:30:00.000-07:002014-09-17T07:31:20.865-07:00Thinking of you today<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi Marcia,<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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I was thinking of you today and thought I’d check in. I took a look at your blog, and sure enough, found some updates from you. Thank you for your open life as you walk through this valley. I still think of Carlin’s interest in using technology and how pleased he would be that technology has been a tool to bring and to send messages of comfort.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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We’ve just gone through another valley from afar, with the death of Hugo Reimer. Hugo was the pastor who prayed with Bob when Bob decided it was time to give his life control back to God. As we had prayed with and for them through their journey, it was a fresh heart wrenching a week and a half ago when Connie and their daughter Rinette were back in our Vanderhoof church and talked with the church family.<u></u><u></u></div>
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So hard to understand God’s timing and plan.<u></u><u></u></div>
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I can’t remember who it was I was talking with about Carlin’s memorial service – likely either Mel Fehr or Denis Federau. I had commented on how heart encouraging it was. Either Mel or Denis had quickly responded with, “That wasn’t a service; that was a benediction.” I agreed. It felt as though you and Carlin had planned the service as a gift to those who were there, in the way you pointed us all to the one who gives life. It is great that others are able to watch it. <u></u><u></u></div>
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We pray for you and the girls and their families often as you come to mind. As the uninvited tears start to show up less often and as your heart starts to adjust to feeling warm as you put on the earrings rather than sad, my prayer is for you to have a sense of purpose in your days. I’m so glad for your continued connection with friends. Blessing on you Marcia.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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June</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-87516976449497079732014-08-09T13:30:00.000-07:002014-08-10T06:16:34.339-07:00Special Blessing for our Anniversary<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
want to share a special blessing I received in the mail yesterday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">It
was a parcel from Becky (our youngest daughter, living in CA). The card inside with what she had written that moved me to tears:
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">“Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad, I hope it’s appropriate to say that and
still celebrate what August 11, 1962 was and always will be—the start
of a wonderful relationship between you two as husband and wife. You
were a wonderful wife, Mom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Well done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Love you very much! XO Becky
and boys.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The gift box has a bunch of little gifts individually
wrapped, to be opened August 11, “that remind me of you, and I hope
bring you a little joy on this day that will always be special.” Tender
heart. Gracious Father!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013757928886322109.post-44204037479146392932014-08-09T06:09:00.000-07:002014-08-10T06:12:57.794-07:00Are you still doing the blog?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Time is passing swiftly by. This is Carlin’s 112<sup>th</sup>
day in Heaven—but who is counting! Truly, no one up there is! I’m
thinking Carlin is singing, laughing, rejoicing—and maybe even praying
for his loved ones and friends here on earth. There are some who
believe they have Scriptural backing to believe that may be true. I
think of all the folks he must be enjoying there, as there are so many
who have gone before!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Here
we have so many things to do. I’m occupied with lots. There are many
friends to be with and visit with. There are repairs on the cottage.
Etc. And I’ve been out and about. Have you ever noticed how very much
area is devoted to men’s clothing and accessories in department stores?
One of my first times out shopping I happened to walk into a store
right into a men’s department, and my heart skipped a beat and my eyes
got misty. I muse how I notice them now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Years
ago Carlin asked me what would be an idea of gifts he could give me and
what I would like, so without missing a beat I replied, “Oh, earrings.
I love earrings.” From then on for every birthday, Valentines Day,
Mother’s Day, Christmas, and other days he would give me earrings!
Though early on, he would sometimes return from a trip to some far
country with rings—a diamond ring from Israel, an amethyst ring from
Turkey, a Diana birthstone ring from somewhere else. He gave me a 15
year anniversary ring, a 25 year anniversary ring and a 50 year
anniversary ring. Now, as our 52<sup>nd</sup> anniversary approaches, I
get a little teary. Carlin had an amazing ability to choose the most
appropriate and special cards. I’ve kept many of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">But
back to the earring story. For Valentine’s Day this year Carlin gave
me a set of tri-gold, diamond cut earrings. He was not well after that,
that we noticed. As I cared for him for his remaining weeks on earth I
wore those earrings every day. After Carlin passed away, I went to my
drawer to get them again, and they were missing. I looked everywhere,
in every pocket, under every cushion, knowing as I slept on a mat on the
floor next to Carlin’s hospital bed in the library, I may have taken
them off and laid them on a side table. I asked my Bible study girls to
pray I would find them. This was such a loss. They were Carlin’s last
gift to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">One day, a couple of weeks later, I was in a department
store and just perused the jewelry cases, when there! A pair of
earrings like the ones Carlin had given me. The price tag said $400. I
couldn’t believe he would spend that much. Perhaps he had gotten them
on a sale. Or he perhaps realized this would be his last gift to me.
Again, the tears came to the surface. Later a friend said, “Marcia, you
must go and buy those earrings.” Well, it took me a while to determine
if I should. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Yesterday there was a big sale at the store and I went
once again, to check out the jewelry cases to see if those earrings were
still there. Yes, there was a pair very similar to Carlin’s. And they
were on sale at 60% off, and with coupons, I purchased them for $90.
Carlin would be pleased that I had gotten such a good deal! Thank You,
Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">As
these days have passed since Carlin’s death, I have wished I could hear
from you who read this blog. Communication is comforting and
inspiring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
must tell you, how God is caring for me, is ever present with me, is
such a joy to me. Truly, when He said He would send a Comforter, there
was a reason why that is His name! Thank you to those who have included
me in your prayers. How I value friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Yesterday’s
devotions included Psalm 30:11 and 12: “You have turned my mourning
into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and
clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be
silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Amen! Yes!
Precious Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Blessings on your day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Marcia</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034584726140979057noreply@blogger.com0