Friday, January 28, 2011
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Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
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A World Traveler. I love the way Judy's family describes her. I love the warmth, the compassion, the adoration, the kindness that she inspired in everyone she met. It emanated from her, it glowed.
ReplyDeleteJudy saved me. She saved me during our time in Indonesia as eager and impressionable and "cheeky" 16 year olds. She gave me strength, friendship, companionship, and love. She taught me about Waylon and Willie and how beautiful those sounds could be.
My Twin, I cannot describe the hole you are leaving in my heart. I am, however, filled with gratitude for your presence in my life.
I wish your family some measure of peace and comfort. They are remarkable.
"I am not my disease..."
Here is a poem written by Dawna Markova. I post this for Judith and for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI Will Not Die an Unlived Life
I will not die an unlived life
I will not live in fear of falling
Or of catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
To allow my living to open me
To make me less afraid,
More accessible
To loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
To live
So that which came to me as seed
Goes to the next as blossom
And that which came
to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
FROM THE MOTHER (MUDDER AS JUDY CALLED ME JUST FOR FUN)
ReplyDeleteI ‘VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE AND JOY OF TRANSFERING ALL JUDY’S PHOTOGRAPHS FROM HARD COPY TO THE COMPUTER, THEN TO CD FOR HER TO ENJOY. I RE-LIVED HER LIFE FROM NEW BORN, TO THAT CUTE LITTLE GIRL STANDING IN FRONT OF THE SWEETPEA FLOWERS AT AGE OF 3; THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL, INTO COLLEGE AND MARRIED LIFE. I WENT ON HER EXCURSIONS TO AFRICA WITH CARA, A BOSSOM BUDDY LIKE NO OTHER. CARA WAS THERE FOR HER UP TO JUDY’S LAST DAYS IN SPOKANE.
JUDY’S SISTERS WERE SO MUCH A PART OF HER LIFE AND FINAL DAYS, SUPPORTING EACH OTHER AS THEY EXPLORED LIFE. JUDY WAS SO SPECIAL TO HER NIECES, AND NEPHEWS. THEY WERE ALWAYS IN THE FOR FRONT OF HER MIND. HER BROTHERS THOUGHT HER TOPS AND WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HER. SHE LOVED THEM.
JUDY ALONG WITH HER SISTERS SUPPORTED CAUSES SUCH AS THE 1500 BIKE RIDE IN ALASKA FOR “AIDS” AND THE LONG, LONG BLISTER- MAKING-WALKS FOR CANCER.
JUDY’S LIFE WAS FULL AS IT COULD BE. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT I’M SURE YOU GET THE “PICTURE”. SHE WILL SOON CONTINUE HER ADVENTURES AND DANCE WITH ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN.
WE WILL MISS HER IMMENSELY. THANK YOU MICHAEL FOR BEING THERE FOR HER.
I LOVE YOU JUDY
Michael - We've never met but my wife, Scarlett, and I are friends of Matt and Ellie.
ReplyDeleteA year and half ago Scarlett was diagnosed with Stage 1/Grade 3 DCIS. When Ellie found out, she introduced Scarlett to Judith and I am writing this to let you know the AWESOME impact Judith had on both of our lives from the very first email. Judith was both a source of invaluable information and an example to both of us on how to LIVE with cancer. She shined a light on our darkest times. When Scarlett was at her lowest, Judith provided encouragement and perspective. These aren't exaggerations or overly fond rememberances. This is what Judith did for us despite her own very serious battle.
Though not fortunate enough to ever meet her in person, I will always love your wife for what she did for us.
A MESSAGE FOR JUDY
ReplyDeleteYou have always lived your life as a wonderful and kind spirit and I am happy to have known you and loved you. I have always felt honored that you and Michael chose our home as the place for your eternal wedding vows and I will never forget the precious memories surrounding that event and ALL the experiences and talks we shared together and with family. If your spirit crosses paths with my mom's who only days ago preceded your journey into the afterlife, just know that she is looking for my dad. I am sure that if she needs help you will do so without hesitation as you have always done unselfishly with everyone who has had the good fortune to have known you. We will miss you tremendously and our hearts are broken, but we are sustained by our wonderful, unforgettable memories of you; and know that our huge sense of loss is also mixed with a celebration of your life with us. Rest in peace, dear Sweet Judy. With love, Galen