Encouraging News

The latest results of the Gallup poll reports that for the first time since they began polling:
51% of Americans identify themselves as Pro-Life...up from 44% a year ago!
Cal Thomas reports, "Younger people are taking a fresh look at the issue and embracing the moral argument that all life is sacred, whatever its status." He also writes in his recent article that the dramatic shift comes "because of the tireless efforts by pro-lifers through pregnancy help centers, sonograms, testimonies of women who regret having an abortion..."
Names of many of our friends come to mind...Ann Caldwell, Carol Martin, Stephanie Wharton, Pat Lindley, Peggy Lowe, Gloria Gerow and many, many more who are not afraid to speak up AND put time and actions behind the rhetoric.
Today I have the privilege of supporting another foster mother, as she loving nurtures the little ones in her care through Bethany Christian Services. It's one thing to tell a girl to not abort her baby, but I'm thankful for the actions behind the slogan CHOOSE LIFE offering the support to those who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy.
"Jesus said Feed my lambs." (John 21:15)

Woman of Excellence

A SPECIAL LADY WITH HER NORWEGIAN COUSIN SOLVI
My mother, Evelyn Beatrice Holm Johnson turns 90 years old today! She has proved to be a woman of courage, leadership, excellence and faithfulness to the Lord as she faced many trials and joys in her life.
I remember her playing the piano in Sunday School while my father stood in front of the primary department at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, leading the children in singing hymns in praise to the Lord. This is a special legacy that my parents gave to their five children. Not only did they exemplify trusting in in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3), but they enriched our lives with the many glorious hymns of the faith. How wonderful to be able to draw on the words of "Children of the Heavenly Father," "Beautiful Savior," "Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us," "Living for Jesus," and "A Mighty Fortress is our God" for hope. How quickly a phrase from an old song can lift our spirits when we feel discouraged... I'm humming the hymn, "Day by Day" as I write..."trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear."
Also the singing of carols or hymns creates a lovely way to give honor to our LORD.
My mom and dad had a loving marriage for 66 years, a blessing none of us takes for granted!
She says she's ready to join dad in heaven... but God must have something else for her to do for now, because she is still here. I agree; she is a role model to her children and grandchildren of a person who bows her will to the sovereign will of our Heavenly Father.
As the Johnson-Holm clan gather together to share in a BIG CELEBRATION, let me share the truth in the family prayer we will pray together as we hold hands...
"Feed Thy children, Father Holy,
Comfort sinners poor and lowly,
Let Thy blessing now be spoken,
on the bread before it's broken,
Let it serves us while we're living,
Health and strength to each one giving,
Till at last as saints are able
To surround Thy Heavenly Table. Amen"

Many Graduations

May brings many celebrations..weddings, graduations and in our case, several birthdays. Several milestones of interest to us are calling us to the East...to make the journey to be a part of the festivities! We have one niece graduating from her studies as a nurse practitioner! Another is a nurse graduating from Henry's alma mater, University of Virginia and her minor is in bioethics! And our son-in-law, Stephen is graduating with a master's from St. John's in Annapolis! And my dear mother is turning 90, so my brother is flying into Nashville for a BIG family gathering to honor a very special lady over the Memorial Day weekend!
Endings and beginnings bring joy and sometimes doubt as well. What is next?
It is comforting to be reminded from God's Word that we can ask for guidance...
"Show me Your ways, O LORD...
Who is the man that fears the LORD?..
lead me in Your truth...
the humble He teaches His way." from Psalm 25
"By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life."
from Proverbs 22

Bluegrass Blues

My sweetheart celebrated his 61st birthday playing bluegrass at the Beast Feast lunch at a log cabin in the woods. It was a down home type of setting with lots of BBQ and lots of menfolk.
But in the evening we dressed up and went downtown to hear our neighbor's husband play jazz piano with a great group. So we ended the day listening to blues in the lounge of the Chattanoogan Hotel. Music is a passion of Henry's that I'm glad to share. One of our favorite times is singing hymns together with our church family. What an uplifting way to close our Sabbath rest then gathering in the chapel and singing "Like a River Glorious is God's perfect peace, over all victorious in it's bright increase..."

Cha-cha

Saturday night found my husband and I out on the ballroom floor at the Fairyland Club high on top of Lookout Mountain, dancing to a Big Band named Radio Daze! We foxtrot, waltz, rumba and tango, but what we really do best is when we do the cha-cha!We love to turn to the right and then to the left, then around in a spin...it's fun when you have been partners for years and know all the right steps and the pattern fits together.
Hebrews chapter 12 speaks of training for the race of life. Dancing certainly is easier when you know the pattern and follow the leader. The same is true in life, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus is not easy, it takes discipline and practice and prayer and then the blessings and satisfaction may come.