Ahh Sunday's I love! Time to gather with the eternal family, study our Father's love letter to us, and worship Him.. Always a blessing to me. But...
This past Sunday Dec. 2nd we gave up our evening service to honor a real lady and genuine Christian that has served at this church for 35 plus years. Our Church Secretary Dodie Price has retired.
What a time of preparing for this.. inviting those that have moved away to come or send a card or letter with some "memory" of their time with Dodie.
I got my letter in, but one page is hard for me to "limit" my thoughts! haha Yes she is a one of a kind gal. A People person, like Jesus in her responses, a giver, dependable, a mentor & teacher of the ways of God by her example. We know that no one is perfect, but she keeps control of her mouth and anger if she ever gets angry. I know it is by the power of the Lord.. for one day I asked her "how in the world do you put up with some of us?" and her answer... "I just have to Love them with Jesus' love." And that has been 'evident' with her life.
Then there was the pure JOY of seeing, getting hugs and visiting with the first Pastor Dodie ever worked under, Thurmon Harris, and his wife Peggy.
He was my first Pastor too! They came back here from Kentucky to pay tribute to their friend. Even after all these years they have kept in contact with us and many others I'm sure. That's the Love OF a church family!
But there are some that just touch you in the core of your being with love and acceptance. The Harris' are one of those couples.
There were many memories FLOODING thru my head & heart during the day, as we worshiped together, as they were in our home again for a meal, and prayed together. Wow! Tears come even now as I write.
The births they have attended, the weddings they have performed and the funerals. The lives they have touched and our family being right there in the thick of it all.
Peggy being one of my first Sunday School teachers.. and so gentle & creative.
Thurmon encouraging me to 'read' and to 'write' for the "Good News" church newsletter. Encouraging me to step out and lead a class.. and his constant prayer life.. wow! It is like breathing for him, at every opportunity, about any subject.. you just stop & pray!!
He performed the marriages of all our children.
He visited many a sick person, our folks included and saw over all their funerals.. He has a gift of mercy and when he 'knows' someone well, He is the one you want to do a funeral... Comfort and Joy in the lives of our loved ones reigned!
Sunday afternoon we had them over for a meal. And invited Dodie and Bud's brother Hubie & his wife Jean. My it was like old times again all together in "Mom & Dad's" home and what a blessing!! Family is Great! and when the family knows and loves Jesus it is a greater family!
Our time together was short, but oh so sweet!!
Thank you Lord... for the opportunity to be together in person for little bit again.
And don't ya just love the many ways we can still keep in touch these days? Phones, computer
e-mail, facebook? I do!
The evening honoring Dodie was great also. Many guests, a church filled, stories told, and tears of joy flowed. The song Brandon did, "Thank You for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed" just summed up the WHOLE of every one's life.
WHAT A WEEKEND!!
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