John I like this music but don't think I can download it in here, so will put it here, in case anyone wants to hear...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD020Shp7oDgNXk&v=N5ddoyfn6g4&feature=player_detailpage#t=65
This is the day after the anniversary and thinking of you... Love you always!
I found this interesting message in my email today on the anniversary day that you left...12 years ago...today...which is Oct.24, 2013.... I just thought this message rather amusing...and for those who should read it...
When God Rewards You with Babies – A Quiver Full By Dr. Taylor Marshall
How do you know when God rewards you? You might be surprised. It often has to do with…babies!
When God Rewards You
We have a promise directly from the Holy Spirit in the pages of Sacred Scripture:
“Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 126[127]:3–5)
My blessed vista at supper every night: “May your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” (Ps 127[128]:3)
Two quick questions for you and for everyone you know:
1. Do you believe that babies are a “reward”?
2. Do you want a quiver full of them?
The Cocktail Party Conversation
If you were at a cocktail party and someone asked, “What do you do for a living?” and you responded, “I built my own business.”
Reply: “That’s great. How many employees do you have?”
If you answer, “Two employees,” the response would be “Oh, that’s nice.”
If you answered, “Two thousand,” the response would be, “Oh wow. That’s amazing. You must be an amazing entrepreneur. Tell me more.”
Now transform that conversation to one about family.
“How many children do you have?”
If you answer, “Two children, a boy and a girl,” the answer will be, “Way to go! You have two and you’re through. Good thing you lucked out and had one of each right away, right!”
But if you answer, “Eleven children, seven girls and four boys,” the room will get quiet and the crickets will start chirping.
If you have lots of employees, that’s a good thing. If you there are more people in the football stadium, that’s a good thing. If the seats are full for the concert, that’s a good thing. If lots of people are present for your birthday, that’s a good thing.
But if you’re dinner table or mini-van is full…that’s a bad thing…What?!
A Satanic Conspiracy?
There is a Satanic conspiracy about having children. We have seven beautiful children and we are “pitied” by people all the time. We were out to dinner last week and an older later came over and told my wife Joy (surrounded by seven children) and told her how bad she felt for her. What? It’s a good thing my wife’s a saint and didn’t clobber the lady.
Let’s get back to the Bible. ““Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Here’s another one:
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 127[128]:3–4)
How to Be Blessed!
The relationship between being a blessed married couple and wanting a “quiver full” and “shoots around your table” is in the Holy Bible. It’s part of God’s revealed truth. You can’t be a Christian and pretend it’s not true or doesn’t apply.
Too often we speak of happiness, but not enough about being blessed. Being blessed means that God’s favor is upon you and you have deep joy. Happiness depends on what happens. They have the same linguistic root. But joy is placed in our hearts by God. Nobody, not even the devil or your boss, can take that away from you. You alone can relinquish you joy.
Strive to be blessed and have that joy and peace that only Jesus Christ can give you. Be blessed every day. If you’re in Christ Jesus, you are blessed. Now go out there and be the salt of the earth. Be salty.
Be Not Afraid!
Don’t be afraid to have a large family for Jesus. It’s the most rewarding thing that you can do.
Dear John, It is now October 24th and 12 years ago on this date you had said your goodbye to all of us... We have missed you so much.......and now just this year we have lost two of your brothers, Dick and Mark who have gone to heaven to join you and all the others in your family who are there now...I wish I could hear what you all have to say to each other and I wonder if that "Wood humor" is making a big hit with the Lord... I am sure He must understand since He created us all to be what we are 'when we are moved by the Holy Spirit.'..
I have all the weddings behind me now and it is back to the regular life of my piddling around and not amounting to a great deal...life moves on and I like to spend some time with my computer where I connect with family and friends and also here with you. This is very nice to be able to do this...and i know you enjoyed the computer too as you learned more and more how to use it...
I have a few things being done here at the house, replaced a toilet and I am going to have the deck repainted..It seems every year, there is something to do.
I think you realize all that since you did so much of these things yourself,... However, I have to hire it done as I cannot do that kind of maintenance...
Until next time my love, pray for me and the family as I am praying for you...
I love you very much.....I visited you at the cemetery several times this summer as I always do when I am in Vermont....God bless you and Rest in Peace with the Lord...
July 12, 2013........John, I wanted to catch you up on what has been going on in the family so far this year. We have had some weddings taking place this spring...beginning with John Paul...who got married in Hawaii in May and I missed this beautiful wedding but I know you would like his beautiful bride, Kate our new granddaughter...
I could have spent the time in Hawaii with all of Michelle's family... I regret that I missed this wedding and this opportunity... Again in May there was another wedding, this time it was Tino and his beautiful wife who now is our new daughter Cheryl .. and I went to Philadelphia area to attend this one... Then I went to Vermont in June to our grandson Ryan's wedding...It was lovely and again you have a beautiful new granddaughter Erin.. Now in September, there will be another wedding when our grandson Zach will marry his beautiful birde Katye...
I wish you were here to attend all these with me, however, I know you are with me in my heart and in all our hearts and in our memories... Pray for all of us... and also help Michelle to keep track of all her chickens.... John, remember Maureen and her family in your prayers, and remember Miles who continues to do very well.. Also, remember as well as all your children and their families...You have enough kids to keep you busy praying for them for always..
Love you very much and God bless you and keep you in his Presence forever.
