Tommy and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. I like to look back at the years that took minutes to pass.
Our first years together were not easy. We had a lot of adjusting to do. Tommy had lived on his own for years and I had never lived anywhere but in my parents home.
He preferred hospital corners when making a bed. I. . .well, I didn't know what a hospital corner was!
I cried a lot and didn't even know why.
He was in seminary and I hardly saw him. Hmmm, perhaps that is why I cried,
Those first few years we were broke but we didn't mind eating boxed mac and cheese and playing Yahtzee on date night.
We suffered the loss of 2 babies that broke our hearts.
Our first move came and the birth of our first child shortly afterwards. It was the first time I lived "long distance" from my mom. Some of you remember way back in the old days when you had to count every penny and phone calls weren't free.
Our next move was even farther from my mom. Our first home, purchased in Northern Ky where we welcomed 2 more children.
I was too busy caring for the babies to cry.
Tommy was still gone all the time. The pressures at this church were great.
Our last move came 4 years later. We landed in Greeneville TN where our last baby was born.
When we walked through the door of Towering Oaks the first time we knew we were home.
Home.
Home.
What a wonderful word,
The next 27 years have been full. Full of
laughter
trial
growth
friendship
betrayal
joy
pride
sorrow
confusion
cheering
success
failure
crying
talking
breathing
and a lot of praying.
We are now grandparents and my oh my oh my oh my what fun!
I have some advice for the newly married, barely married, hardly married, and happily married.
Build your home on the Lord Jesus Christ. The parable of the foolish and wise men is a clear picture of the difference in trusting God for all your needs and leaning on your own understanding.
Being married is tough work. Neither Tommy nor I are the same people we were 35 years ago. I can promise you not every day came up roses. But the greatest and best promise is the faithfulness of God.
Had we tried to do this life on our own we would never have made it.
Our son is building a playhouse for his nieces for Christmas. Lilley looks out the window at it and says, "John did it."
I'm looking back at 35 years and I'm saying GOD DID IT! Wow, yes, God did it!
I love you Tommy Gene Pierce. Let's go for 35 more!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Thursday Way of Thinking
Thanksgiving--visions of sweet potatoes and turkey, pies and green bean casserole. There will be a jello salad and warm, fluffy yeast rolls. And best of all, family.
I love Thanksgiving.
I love remembering.
My mom's Thanksgiving feast included turkey and ham and an array of vegetables. I'm certain I'm still carrying a few extra pounds due to that wonderful syrup in the bottom of the sweet potato pan that I would dredge the dinner rolls through. Oh.my.word I can still taste it. How I'd love to get down south and sit at her table!
The Pierce Thanksgiving has been special for years. We celebrate Christmas at the same time. The family has grown incredibly and it's always super fun to get to see everyone and catch up.
God is so very faithful.
I remember
the year I was put on bedrest while carrying our sweet Hannah
the first Thanksgiving without my dad and how I longed to make that holiday phone call
facetime with our son while he served in Afghanistan; what a thrill to get to see and hear him that day.
I remember various difficulties and uncertainties.
But when I reminisce, what truly stands out in my mind is God's forever faithfulness. Through the experiences of life I have learned that no matter what is going on in the present, God can be trusted for the future. And when you trust Him with your present, you will find you have a past full of faithfulness that you can stand on as you face uncertainties of today.
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have been instructed to "give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The letter to the Thessalonians also admonishes us to "hold on to what is good."
Thursday will soon be here and families all over America will gather and eat and laugh and make new memories. We will take the time to voice the things for which we are thankful.
I have a biblical challenge for you. Let's have a Thursday way of thinking all year long. When we count God's faithfulness and actively thank Him for His provisions, we are strengthened for the next uncertainty that comes along. And it will come along, because that is life on earth.
I love remembering my siblings and that platter of cheeses and olives. I love remembering the wonderful aroma and the gnawing in my stomach as I waited to hear the meal was ready.
Most of all, I love remembering how faithful my God is. Every moment. Every day.
Yes, I think I will adopt a Thursday way of thinking.
I love Thanksgiving.
I love remembering.
My mom's Thanksgiving feast included turkey and ham and an array of vegetables. I'm certain I'm still carrying a few extra pounds due to that wonderful syrup in the bottom of the sweet potato pan that I would dredge the dinner rolls through. Oh.my.word I can still taste it. How I'd love to get down south and sit at her table!
The Pierce Thanksgiving has been special for years. We celebrate Christmas at the same time. The family has grown incredibly and it's always super fun to get to see everyone and catch up.
God is so very faithful.
I remember
the year I was put on bedrest while carrying our sweet Hannah
the first Thanksgiving without my dad and how I longed to make that holiday phone call
facetime with our son while he served in Afghanistan; what a thrill to get to see and hear him that day.
I remember various difficulties and uncertainties.
But when I reminisce, what truly stands out in my mind is God's forever faithfulness. Through the experiences of life I have learned that no matter what is going on in the present, God can be trusted for the future. And when you trust Him with your present, you will find you have a past full of faithfulness that you can stand on as you face uncertainties of today.
As believers in the Lord Jesus, we have been instructed to "give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The letter to the Thessalonians also admonishes us to "hold on to what is good."
Thursday will soon be here and families all over America will gather and eat and laugh and make new memories. We will take the time to voice the things for which we are thankful.
I have a biblical challenge for you. Let's have a Thursday way of thinking all year long. When we count God's faithfulness and actively thank Him for His provisions, we are strengthened for the next uncertainty that comes along. And it will come along, because that is life on earth.
I love remembering my siblings and that platter of cheeses and olives. I love remembering the wonderful aroma and the gnawing in my stomach as I waited to hear the meal was ready.
Most of all, I love remembering how faithful my God is. Every moment. Every day.
Yes, I think I will adopt a Thursday way of thinking.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Got Freedom? America's Best: Veteran's Day 2016
I recently attended a celebration of life service for a veteran who lived 96 years. I only knew him a short time, but I can tell you it didn't take long to learn he was a man of faith, conviction, humor, and loyalty
I sat and listened as many people shared their stories of friendship and how they will miss him.
The 21-Gun Salute and playing of Taps filled me with awe once again at the bravery and sacrifice of serving our country. And in those moments my mind traveled back to my dad's graveside and the graveside of a dear friend's Dad and how our heart's ache every day for one more conversation, one more hug.
I'm thankful every day of my life that I was born an American. I love our amber waves of grain and the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. I love the bayou's of Louisiana and the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota. And I love our flag.
I grew up respecting the flag. We had a very patriotic atmosphere in our home that is difficult to explain. I don't remember a single "God & Country" conversation as a child, but I knew without a doubt that my parents loved Old Glory and regardless of who was elected president we were to show respect for the office.
As a young adult I was able to have a few talks with my dad about his years of service and later in life he expressed great sorrow over the young men and women fighting overseas. His flag flew perpetually at half staff, "Until they all come home."
We live in perilous times; the differences, issues, and perspectives are as complex and twisted as they have ever been. While I am deeply saddened and what I see and read disturbs me, I am not shaken. I am a loyal American but first and foremost I am a faithful believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in my heart He has the power to heal what is broken.
While it is not within my reach to fix America, I know it is my responsibility to pray for her and her leaders. I can do my part to be an instrument of peace as the scripture instructs. I can seek truth and stand for truth.
And I will remember and respect what has been given that makes it possible for me to post this blog, pray in public, attend the church of my choosing and cast my vote.
Thank you Veteran, every single day, thank you.
I sat and listened as many people shared their stories of friendship and how they will miss him.
The 21-Gun Salute and playing of Taps filled me with awe once again at the bravery and sacrifice of serving our country. And in those moments my mind traveled back to my dad's graveside and the graveside of a dear friend's Dad and how our heart's ache every day for one more conversation, one more hug.
I'm thankful every day of my life that I was born an American. I love our amber waves of grain and the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. I love the bayou's of Louisiana and the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota. And I love our flag.
I grew up respecting the flag. We had a very patriotic atmosphere in our home that is difficult to explain. I don't remember a single "God & Country" conversation as a child, but I knew without a doubt that my parents loved Old Glory and regardless of who was elected president we were to show respect for the office.
As a young adult I was able to have a few talks with my dad about his years of service and later in life he expressed great sorrow over the young men and women fighting overseas. His flag flew perpetually at half staff, "Until they all come home."
We live in perilous times; the differences, issues, and perspectives are as complex and twisted as they have ever been. While I am deeply saddened and what I see and read disturbs me, I am not shaken. I am a loyal American but first and foremost I am a faithful believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in my heart He has the power to heal what is broken.
While it is not within my reach to fix America, I know it is my responsibility to pray for her and her leaders. I can do my part to be an instrument of peace as the scripture instructs. I can seek truth and stand for truth.
And I will remember and respect what has been given that makes it possible for me to post this blog, pray in public, attend the church of my choosing and cast my vote.
Thank you Veteran, every single day, thank you.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Come Wednesday Morning
America is campaign weary. Most of us are tired of the fighting and backstabbing. Maybe what has really worn us out is the loss of truth. We just have no trusted source any longer. . .at least not in the political realm.
No matter who prevails next week, Wednesday will not be a day of celebration for me. Granted, if the person I vote for loses I will be pretty grouchy. I may even pitch a fit. But I will get up and get dressed and go to work just as I did the day before.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be my mother's daughter.
I will still be a wife and mother.
I will still be a Grandmother.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be a part of a wonderful church family.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be a proud American. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are many things going on in America that shame me and sadden me and anger me. But this is my country and patriotism runs deep.
Best of all, come Wednesday morning, I will still be a child of God.
A believer in The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).
A follower of Christ.
A disciple.
A learner.
A servant.
Because,
come Wednesday morning,
He will still be Lord.
He is Creator, Father, Holy One, Savior and Redeemer.
Let's put the election aside for a moment. No matter who you plan to vote for, do you know the stabilizing, peace-assuring, step-guiding, hope-source I know?
He is
Adonai-Great Lord God
Elohim- All-powerful Creator
El Shaddai- All sufficient One
Jehovah-Jireh- The Lord who Provides
Jehovah-Rapha- The Lord who Heals
When you know Him, you know there is no need to fret.
Come Wednesday morning, you will find me placing my hope, faith and trust in Him.
You will find me going about my Father's business until He blasts the eastern skies wide open. . .
Some things will change come Wednesday, but the most important things will never change.
Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, church member, American. . .
CHILD OF THE MOST SOVEREIGN AND UNCHANGING KING!
No matter who prevails next week, Wednesday will not be a day of celebration for me. Granted, if the person I vote for loses I will be pretty grouchy. I may even pitch a fit. But I will get up and get dressed and go to work just as I did the day before.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be my mother's daughter.
I will still be a wife and mother.
I will still be a Grandmother.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be a part of a wonderful church family.
Come Wednesday morning, I will still be a proud American. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are many things going on in America that shame me and sadden me and anger me. But this is my country and patriotism runs deep.
Best of all, come Wednesday morning, I will still be a child of God.
A believer in The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).
A follower of Christ.
A disciple.
A learner.
A servant.
Because,
come Wednesday morning,
He will still be Lord.
He is Creator, Father, Holy One, Savior and Redeemer.
Let's put the election aside for a moment. No matter who you plan to vote for, do you know the stabilizing, peace-assuring, step-guiding, hope-source I know?
He is
Adonai-Great Lord God
Elohim- All-powerful Creator
El Shaddai- All sufficient One
Jehovah-Jireh- The Lord who Provides
Jehovah-Rapha- The Lord who Heals
When you know Him, you know there is no need to fret.
Come Wednesday morning, you will find me placing my hope, faith and trust in Him.
You will find me going about my Father's business until He blasts the eastern skies wide open. . .
Some things will change come Wednesday, but the most important things will never change.
Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, church member, American. . .
CHILD OF THE MOST SOVEREIGN AND UNCHANGING KING!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)