Vol. 13 |
"Revive the Spark of Hope" Newsletter for Take My Hand Ministry, Inc. 302-349-4220 Email: takemyhand@comcast.net Website: takemyhand.org |
Issue 3 Jul - Dec - 2009 |
A Show and Tell Theology
It was a beautifully wrapped present. The gift wrapping was exquisite: the paper
was shimmering; the bow was like a handcrafted bouquet. The gift card was written with a flourish,
“To Michaele, with love.”
Opening the gift was exciting, too, but a bit
perplexing. Once opened, the delicate
tissue paper, when peeled away, revealed a packet of bills. The next layer of tissue paper exposed a
travel film featuring snowy scenes, large drifts, and long icicles. The third layer revealed a picture of an icy,
cedar deck, a bottle of 12-hr Aleve and a picture of a badly bruised lower
back. The final layer was a beautifully
bound Journal dated 2010. When turned to
the first page of an otherwise blank book, a perfectly in scripted letter read:
My
Child,
You
have been given the gift of another
Year,
365 days to fill anyway you
desire. Each day will come only once,
but
the results of what you bring to
each
day will impact your life,
and
the lives of many others, forever.
Remember,
I am always a heart beat
away. Happy New Year,
Little
Daughter!
Love,
Father
And so began 2010.
Yes, there were outrageous grocery bills for us and
everyone else. Everything we used from
electricity to newspapers increased, but our income was still frozen. Many of your households can sing a verse or
two from that song. By careful planning
we have managed to have enough. It pays
to put something away for a rainy day-or days.
Winter did come in like a freight train this
year. Indian summer became an arctic
blast before the first Christmas card was mailed. The weather channel claims that January is
the coldest month of the year, and we aren’t going to argue the fact.
Then on the morning of the 23rd of
January I did not see the frost on the back deck as I prepared to feed the
birds. I slipped at the edge of the
deck, hit the deck’s edge and the next 2 steps, and landed face down on the
lawn. After realizing I had not broken
my left leg, I crawled back up on the deck and hobbled into my bedroom and
found Willard. I can walk, shower, use
the bathroom, get in and out of bed, and sit on a hard chair. I cannot get dressed, sit in a soft chair or
car, or drive. Bruised tailbones are
harder to mend than a bruised leg, but they do heal. Most days I do paperwork standing up – all
day long. A friend comes in the morning
and feeds the cats, gets the mail, and takes care of any errands. Other friends check on us and do nice things,
and in the meantime I am healing.
Because I am used to going here and there and taking
care of daily needs, this time had led to a few major meltdowns. Didn’t do a bit of good but I had them. Tailbone still bruised, but I had them. Then I asked God, “Why is this situation happening?”
Very quickly came the answer, “To let you know that
My world will keep on spinning whether or not you’re involved. You’re hurt.
You are healing. Someone else can
handle things because I have things for them to learn. Be still and know that I am God.”
The new year is still a fantastic gift which offers
endless possibilities and opportunities.
I now have time to reflect on how I will use it. I will also take time to heal.
Special best wishes to my friend, Reba Wells, who
did the same thing earlier in January, only she slipped on ice and went down 3
concrete steps. Reba’s out and about
now. God Bless You, Reba!
Pray for continued healing, please.
Blessings,
Michaele, Willard, & Cats,
Freedom & Liberty
The 2010
Mary and Martha Tea Room
The
Tea Room is held from 2-4PM
January
20, 2010 – Rev. Carol
February
17, 2010 – Pastor Sadie Brunson
March
17, 2010 – Pastor Tyvonia Bull
April
21, 2010 – Barbara Walter, Christian Writer & Speaker
May
19, 2010 – Rev.
June
16, 2010 – Elder Lucy Redden [Michaele’s Birthday]
July
21, 2010 – Rev. Carol
August
?, 2010 – Pastor Joyce Mizzelle (negotiating)
September
15, 2010 – Rebecca Jones, Singer &
Pastor’s wife
October
20, 2010 – Ann Marie Lambert,
November
17, 2010 – Cyndi Andrews, Motivational Speaker
December
15, 2010 – Pastor Sadie Brunson
This
program is a spiritual oasis and place of healing for our women. Dress is casual. Freewill offering for the speaker. Light refreshments.
March 13,
2010 – Silent Auction, Bake, Light Lunch
To Benefit Take My Hand Ministry at Conley’s UMC at
Due to Dr. Russell’s recent injury, she can use all
the help possible. Let her know if you
can donate a basket of product, gift certificate, item, whatever. The proceeds allow us to help other needy
clients, and she needs help in completing the event. This may be your opportunity to be a
blessing.
Jerry Jones
Benefit Concert
There will be a benefit concert for Take My Hand
Ministry at The Seaford Wesleyan Church (The Ark) in
Thank YOU for your response to our
Keep warm and avoid slippery decks and icy cement
steps! And please use the enclosed
envelope, if possible. You have no idea
how far we can stretch our donations.
Valentine Day is coming! Remember your loved ones, but do something
special for someone who really could use a special gift or something nice.