Sunday, January 29, 2023

Blessed 97th Birthday

Prayer – Lord, it is so wonderful that You have brought friends and family into our lives. For me—my life is richer and I’ve learned more about You through them. Thank You. 

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

 

Meditate. Keep still and listen to the Lord God.

 

Don’t fidget, be nervous, self-conscience, loud, mouthy, or indulgent. Be still. How can we focus on God if we are so self-absorbed that we don’t even honor Him with our time and attention?

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.  Psalm 46:1-11

Today is my Auntie Mercedes’ 97th Birthday. She is a remarkable lady who, although she was an only child, she took herself to Sunday School and Church when she was just a few years old. Her parents didn’t go, but she felt a strong desire to be in church and learn about God…and so she did. Her family was well off and they didn’t go without meals or any necessities during the depression. Watching the hard times around her, helped her develop a strong work ethic and she eventually became a good business woman helping her husband build their farm into a successful endeavor. Seeking the Lord daily helped her get through a couple of really tragic and traumatic times when her first husband died unexpectantly during a heart procedure and her daughter died from pneumonia, leaving behind Merc’s developmentally handicapped grandson, as well as the full responsibility of running the farm. She’s a strong person—brilliant, funny, honest, loving, and compassionate. Walking at least two miles a day for over twenty years kept her in good shape…and although her body is wearing out, her mind is still sharp. This “be still and know” verse is her favorite and I think it has been a guiding light for her for many years. It among the values that she has passed down to three generations of her nieces and nephews. Her advice, "Take your vitamins." By doing that she has beat COVID when others around her got it!


One bridge we shared was going to the same church for many years. The Warden Community Church. It was our connection to God...and to others in our farming community--family and friends. We are all blessed to know and love this cherished dear lady!

 

Verse of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

 


Happy 97th Birthday, Auntie Mercedes!

Blessings on this special day!

 

© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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