We would love to have $1 for every time someone has said to us, "You two should write a book."

It's true, we do have a remarkable story.  So, when we got the call from a writer at the Pentecostal Evangel last Fall setting an appointment to interview us, we were pleased.  It was a great interview and we were so honored to tell our story.

When we share in churches we tell our story, and we are always amazed at the transformations in people's lives.  We have seen our testimony challenge believers and bring unbelievers to a new faith. 

Please agree with us in prayer that the article, which will run in the Easter 2012, April 8 2012, Pentecostal Evangel will have impact on the unbeliever, drawing them to a new found faith, and challenge the believer, who may have given up hope on a loved one or friend.

You see, our story is one of transformation.   The day before we responded to the truth of the Gospel was as dark as any individual you are praying for today, but on that day, when we sought God's assistance and submitted to His plan, we were changed and have never looked back.

The Pentecostal Evangel is a weekly periodical published by the Assemblies of God.

Thank you John Kennedy, Pentecostal Evangel writer.

Jesus said in Matthew 16: " 1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.  2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."

Well, if you haven't heard all the predictions about the year 2012, the Apocalypse predictions, the Mayan calendar and all the doomsday dates ahead of us, you've been under a pretty big rock.

Whether we are traveling or visiting with friends, it seems the subject comes up in the oddest places.  Jesus talked to the religious people of his day about the topic.  And it's sort of funny that he used weather as his illustration.

Funny to us, because it seems our ministry is centered around the weather.  We could stay home during the winter months and tow the bikes everywhere, or cancel when the roads are icy and/or snow covered.  Cancelling is not one of our favorite experiences, though.  Along with motorcycle events we do church services to encourage our ministry partners and receive offerings to fund the next big trip.  Once we are set up at a rally, beit February in the far South or Southwest, we remember why this ministry suits us so well.  Neither one of us tolerates the severe cold like we used to, can't find enough layers.

One thing that is usually pretty predictable is the weather.  But Jesus is challenging all of us to remember that even the weather is temporary.  Clouds come and go, we set new weather stats nearly everyday somewhere in this world.  How predictable is that?  Jesus is basically reminding the religious leaders, and us, that looking to the clouds is like looking to the false prophets, they come and they go, they mean well, but don't always produce.

Look to His Word, the Bible.  I found a scripture in Hebrews 6:16-18
New International Version (NIV)

 16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

I'm greatly encouraged by the hope set before me, how about you?

How did this all get so complicated?

Are you doing a Bible reading plan in 2012?

Was that one of your New Year's resolutions?

I'll just be honest here and say that I've probably started reading through the Bible with some sort of plan every year for the 33 years I've been a Christian. 

One year, when Russ was Pastor in Martinsville, Indiana, we challenged the entire congregation to complete the "One Year Bible" reading program, gave out the Bibles for people to use and gave them certificates in a ceremony at the end of the year.  Several people participated and it was an extremely rewarding year for many of the church members, and us.

This year I've started reading through the Bible again and I'm 100% successful so far.  Yeah, I know it's only been 3 days, but I have it set up on my cell phone, my Kindle and on the Computer, with reminders.  If I haven't done my reading by 8 AM, in whatever time zone I'm in, little reminders and beeps go off in various places around the house.

Today's reading took me to Proverbs 3.  I'm certain my own personal "most quoted" verse is in this chapter. verse 5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths." 

What does that mean to me?  I make the move, by trusting, then I don't make another move, just lean on God, instead of my understanding.  Can't explain it much better than that, just that simple.  God is in control.  I'm so thankful for that today.

I'm recovering from surgery on my knee, it really changed the nature and look of our holidays, and now we both have bad colds that slowed us down ever more.  But it looks like we'll survive, and we're fired up about this Winter and Spring and our ministry opportunities, as a result we're able to do a lot of reading, along with cold medicine and hot tea.

Admitting I've failed to succeed reading through the Bible in years past, I'm excited about finding this reading plan.  The one I chose, through YouVersion, a program you can download to your Android, Blackberry, Kindle, computer, etc. is one of many options.

Here's the plan I chose:  The Project 345 Plus - Project 3:45 is a simple, effective way to read the entire New Testament in one year. The plan involves reading one chapter per day five days a week and uses the weekends to catch up if you missed any days. The plan was named for the average of the three minutes and forty five seconds that it takes to read one New Testament chapter (obviously this time will vary due to individual reading rates, chapter lengths, and etc., but you get the point). It’s never too late, start today!

Now for the bad news.  Or I guess it could be good news for quitters.  January 17th is National Ditch the New Year's Resolution Day.  Check it out here.

But, beware, I checked out Proverbs 17 for the 17th day of this reading plan, and you quitters have quite a challenge:

Proverbers 17:23 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

In case you don't make it to "Ditch the Resolution Day" but you're successful all the way to the 16th, here's some encouragement:

Proverbs 16:1-3  1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.  2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.  3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

So what are you reading?  Catch up right now.

jac 2012

Lord, your faithfulness ...

I've always been fascinated with scriptures that describe God's arms.  The lengths He can reach, the comfort they give, the power they display, to Job he says, "Do you have an arm like God's?"  Job 40:9 

He's challenging Job, if you're like me, do what I'm able to do.  Yet, at the same time He's telling Job,"Let me, I'm able and willing."

Psalm 36:5, "Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."  That's some long arms!

Isaiah 59:1 "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save ... "

Lord, your faithfulness tops all others.  Listing people and things we've grown to depend on and lean on, we always turn back to your immeasurable ability to step in and hold us no matter what we face.

This time of year I have to do a lot of self talk.  I see the commercialism of Christmas, the attitudes of children in public and the pressure on families.  I have to say to myself, these are different times and you must be wise in your response.

Isn't the Christian life all about our response, our reaction to life's trials and relationships?

I remember my parents discussing the pressures of providing a nice Christmas and how difficult it was to keep up with cousins and neighbors.  They couldn't, and it took it's toll on them.  But for me, the red and white stripe nightgown my mom stayed up nights making for me, one of those very hard financial years, probably was one of the least expensive gifts I ever got.  Every night hearing the sewing machine after I went to bed, and the curiosity became the build up to my favorite gift ever.  Her hands, her time, her love, all she had and all she knew to give in hard times.  I love this sweet memory.

Faithfulness.
In ministry when you're sitting with someone who is seeking answers, peace and a small sliver of hope, you find yourself comparing this person's situation with your own.  I find myself doing that and immediately switch my thoughts to the persecution, abandonment, and wounds that Jesus suffered.  It helps me rise above the moment and remember that trials in this life can seem unbearable.  They seem to multiply around the holidays. 

But Jesus, the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place, was born into this chaotic world, even sought out as His tiny newborn life was threatened even when His birth was still being announced.

In that moment of comfort to a neighbor, family, friend or new acquaintance, that pause where we want so badly to identify, step in and fix the situation, or bring some hope, we must remember that all of these things, "work together, for a purpose."  as Romans 8:28 reminds us.   We are each called for a purpose, trials will come, but in the end they are woven into a beautiful tapestry called life, a covering of sorts, for others facing trials. 

        As ministers and friends to many we are not called to fix people, we are         called to point them to Jesus, who will take them by the hand in the                 power of the Holy Spirit, leading them to the Father, who's arm is not             too short.

When you put that sincere arm of caring around the hurting friend or family member, offer to pray for them directly and mention a promise from scripture, like God's "faithfulness reaches to the clouds." Psalm 36:5. 

Know anyone else with arms that long?

Our prayer for you this holiday is that you sense God's powerful arms holding you and that you be used to point someone to Christ as you celebrate His birth with a purpose.

Merry Christmas,

Russ and Judy

PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I'm still learning about this disorder.  Shell Shock, Combat Stress Reaction, Battle Fatigue, Acute Stress Disorder and now PTSD.  Giving it some thought through the years, I'm seeing how these disorders have been ever present in my life.

My Grandfather, Father, Father-in-Law, Husband and Son have all served in the military.  That dedication to take up a cause and GO, comes with a downside.  I never knew a lot about Grandpa Mobley's experience other than he served in the Navy.  He was so proud of his duty station Norfolk, VA.  I remember him talking about that.  My Dad took the time to write a very detailed account of his Europe experience in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He and I and my Mom walked the World War II Memorial together on the Europe side, while Russ walked with his Dad on the Pacific side.

That evening when Russ and I compared notes, we both realized that between Russ's Dad and mine they had been in nearly every place World War II had conflict.  Wow, our family had it covered.  With that came a cost.  Russ's Dad lost a brother at Pearl Harbor.  We never knew him.  Russ's Dad married, Flo and immediately joined the Army.  He quit High School to join, and was trained and deployed, gone nearly 4 years.  Flo was an Army wife, alone nearly 4 years.  Living at home, married.  What an incredible heartache. 

My Dad left at about the same age as a single man and was shipped to Europe.  He met my Mom a few months after the War was over, and they married 4 months later.  In a few months they will celebrate their 66th anniversary.  Russ's Dad had health issues from age 49 on, we lost him at age 81 and Flo at 83.  They were strong, supportive parents.

Marriages that last walk through the many trials together and our family has proven this. 

My personal experience with PTSD or Shell Shock, or whatever the term was at the time has begun to show up in relationships, expectations, and life's trials.  I can look back and see for instance, that my Dad suffered greatly from a loss right before the War ended.  It showed in their marriage, but I sure didn't know what was behind the pain he suffered.

When Russ returned from Korea, coming home to a 13 month old baby, just before our 3rd wedding anniversary, I had no idea he was not going to be the same person I married, war had changed him and since I wasn't a counselor or therapist, I did what I knew to do.  I hung in there patiently loving him anyway, hoping to hang on to him and find the old Russ some day.

Today I read a great article on a web page called, "PatriotOutreach.org" called "Guidelines."

Guidelines for Vets' Families.  by Dr. Raymond M. Scurfield, DSW, LCSW Vietnam Veteran, author of A Vietnam Trilogy of books. (New York: Algora)

I read these paragraphs, which spurred this post:  (Bold added by me.)

What typically is missing from many Veteran’s thinking and beliefs is to also consider the important role that their life before the war may have played. And it is essential to note the word “also”, along with what happened during the war. I have used the “blank tablet metaphor” to get this critically important point across when talking with vets:

Let’s be very clear. No one went to war as a “blank tablet.” No one. We all went as some-one, as some-body. We all had personalities, strengths and shortcomings, values, beliefs, prejudices, relationships, successes, problems, issues and dreams. And you, this some-body, entered the military and went to war. And you brought inside of you to the war all of those personality characteristics, strengths and shortcomings, values, beliefs, prejudices, relationships, successes, problems, issues and dreams with you---we all did.  And what we brought with us to the war somehow interacted with what each of us experienced during the war, resulting in unique combinations arising out of who were before the war and during war. And so, there is no way to begin to understand the possible impact of war unless you have a clear sense of your personality before, during and following exposure to war trauma---both those aspects that changed and just as importantly, those aspects that remained the same or seemed to go underground during the war but reappeared later.

Long-standing personality characteristics, personal strengths and issues, and positive and problematic relationship patterns that existed before deployment within the Veteran and in the Veteran’s relationship with partner, children, extended family members, all will come back with the Veteran following deployment. However, these pre-deployment factors are now mixed inextricably together with the remarkable highs and depths of the experiences of war. And all that, together, comes home with the Veteran and into the family. And so, it is inevitable that the mixture of pre-war and deployment factors will be exacerbated by the Veteran’s post-deployment readjustment. 

Just wanted our readers to understand our call.  We are going deeper with returning vets.  They still long to come home and ride this Nation on a motorcycle, imagine that.

For the last 9 years we have participated in Run For The Wall which is a group of volunteers who organize a ride from California to Washington D.C. every May.  The purpose is to have Veterans visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall and to make America aware of the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action from all wars. 

The Run For The Wall web page link.

Our first trip on Run For The Wall we nearly quit every day it was so stressful.  In 2003 there were less than 150 bikes leaving California together on the route we chose, with around 200 arriving in D.C.  I remember being so tired I wasn't able to be social.  We had great friends waiting for us in Arlington, VA, and my birthday always falls right at the end of the Run, but I couldn't enjoy the "fellowship," until I had rested a few days.  Besides the physical toll it took on me, the emotional toll was life changing.

Last May, our 9th year nearly 800 riders arrived in D.C.  I had served on the Board, and was presented with my "going off the Board" thank you and plaque.  It was emotional, a lot of miles since that first ride, and represented many very strong relationships built through the years.

That first year, just buying the event t-shirt and sewing on the patches from the merchandise selections were top priority when we arrived in D.C.  Many people had sewn their patches on as we traveled or before the ride even began, but I could not make myself put a patch on my vest that said, "All The Way 2003" until I had made it.   I had my doubts about my ability.  If I hadn't ridden my bike to California to the start of the Run, I probably would have backed out, but knowing I could do the miles was half the battle won.

The military style staging, all the instructions shouted through a megaphone at morning meetings, some of the volunteers who were assisting with safety of the riders had attitudes, and the experienced riders had conflicts over methods and traditions.  It was tough, but it was life.  I knew I could get to Indiana because I had made it West on my bike, so I consoled myself every morning.  I also knew Russ wanted to complete the mission, so I mustered up every fiber of courage each hour, cried every night, and slept so sound I was actually rested and ready to start again most mornings of the 10 day event.

Remembering the reason we did Run For The Wall the first time, kept me on the road to that goal.  We had discussed it for a few years, planned on it for over a year and discussed it with several experienced participants before packing, registering and arranging our evening stops.  We longed to be Chaplains to the Veterans on this Run.

I felt like a complete failure that first year because the grueling task of getting me from point A to point B each day kept me from the encouraging ministry I could have had to the riders.  A man walked up to me on the 3rd morning, he had parked his bike right behind mine at the staging location.  He said, "I think we need to explain what's been going on behind your back.  There are several of us men who prefer riding right behind you and we've been competing to get that position at every stop."  I was a little afraid for the conversation to go much further at this point, but I had learned to handle bikers in conversation, so I waited for the rest of the story.

Another veteran walked up, he said, "Did you tell her?  Lady we love being behind your motorcycle because you are such a good rider.  You never touch your brakes, but slow down by downshifting, and when we hear your pipes and the downshift, we know to slow down, too.  Other people just hit the brakes and that gets passed back all the way through the pack." 

What an honor.  I had practiced riding without using the brakes for that very reason.  The "rubber banding" as riders call it spreads the group out so far any time anyone in the pack touches their brakes.  So all year I had made a conscious effort to downshift instead, until I literally needed brakes to stop.  My spirits lifted as I realized I was being helpful, used in a good way, even though I was struggling emotionally with the event.

Early the next morning a veteran walked up to us and asked us about what we do for a living.  We told him we are Chaplains to America's bikers full-time.  He stepped back, as if to size us up, then looked out over the sea of bikes and riders and said, "So, this is your 'Parish.'" waving his arms as if to collect them all into view. 

Our response:  "Yes, it is." 

When we participate in Run For The Wall we hope to help one rider, one Veteran deal with their ghosts, their past, or even their daily struggle to go the next leg of the event, or the next hour, or deal with that very moment.  It has been a growing opportunity for both of us and we are thankful for what we've taken away, also."

Since that first ride across America with this organization, Russ has served as Chaplain, Road Guard, Assistant Coordinator, Coordinator and Merchandise Director, I served in Merchandise and as a board member for several years.  We are so thankful to be instrumental in encouraging and bringing hope to America's finest, those who serve this country in the military, active duty or Veterans, and those who support them.

A Tribute to Pastor Herb Hull

Before we wandered into Bloomington First Assembly July 1978, Russ knew him as “the preacher who told corny jokes.”  Pastor Herb regularly brought church ads to the local newspaper,where Russ was a photographer. 

When we attended the church the first time Pastor Herb and Norma were on vacation.  Our next visit Russ and Pastor Herb saw each other in the church basement before service and both said to each other, at the same time, “What are you doing here.”  Oh I see that giant smile with his head tipped back as I remember this meeting in the hall.

He had known Russ as the shaggy hippie photographer at the newspaper.  Before this encounter, Russ had come home and told me on occasion, “If I ever get the urge to go to church, I’d like to look up that pastor that tells the corny jokes.”

Our first Sunday night in that church, we dropped to our knees at the altar.  God placed a godly man and his wife in our lives at a time when our marriage had all but dissolved.  Hung-over and addicted, still extremely rough around the edges, we were accepted as family with no condemnation.  

HE MENTORED US AND LOVED US LIKE FAMILY

Unconditional love was demonstrated continually.  Conviction tugged on us as we were embraced by the sincere teachings, 3 point sermons with illustrations that make you shake your head, roll your eyes, nod or laugh out loud.

With Pastor Herb Hull at the helm, Sunday nights were packed with worship, ministry and altar time, but the after church event, back at the Hull household, was ice cream and a ballgame on T.V.  Don, David and Dale adopted our two sons, Jim and Ken as if they were younger brothers.  Off they went to the basement or outside to the basketball goal, while we sat at the kitchen table and soaked up every possible nugget of wisdom from Pastor Herb and Norma, all wrapped around a snack and a lot of jokes.

I believe Russ stopped by the church almost daily after our salvation, offering to help around the church and gleaning from Pastor’s wisdom by asking questions about the scriptures.  Pastor Herb trusted him as usher, encouraged him to help with the nursing home Sunday school class, let him assist with the youth, and had him play his guitar and sing from the platform on the night of praise.

We lived about 14 miles from the church, out in the country.  Our first winter, about 4 months after we came to the church, we had a very bad snow.  We arrived at church on time, but no one was there.  The church had been cancelled.  There was a lot of teasing over this.  Pastor said he’d never cancel again.

Pastor loved “dinners of 8.”  We had the distinct honor of having Pastor and Norma in our group in our new home.  He never stopped talking about the egg rolls I made, I don’t really think they were that good, but he was impressed.  

PASTOR RESIGNS

I remember most Sunday evenings ending with “Victory in Jesus.”  I smile anytime I think of that sweet smile on my Pastor’s face, as he was belting out each word, with a confidence that captured believer’s hearts and convinced sinners.   “And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the Victory.”

14 months later, when they announced from the pulpit that they were taking a church in Oklahoma, I cannot remember ever crying that hard in a public place.  I’ll admit, I got selfish and angry.

I made an appointment with Norma for one day that next week, with full intention of convincing her and Pastor Herb to stay.  She had me come over to the house.  When I arrived she led me straight upstairs where she was in the middle of packing boxes in one of the boy’s bedrooms.  She got down on her hands and knees crawling around the bed, feeling under it for a shoe, missing from a pair, and gave me a living illustration of life in a pastor’s home. 

Then she sat on the bed and looked at me and said something like, “We love these people here and they love us, but Pastor Herb knows he’s supposed to go to this new church, and I made a commitment a long time ago that I would go where he is called, he doesn’t need a wife that holds back and gives him grief.”

Enough said.  Norma isn’t quick to hug and show emotion, so when we got a little weepy together that day, and I got a hug from her, I knew the move was inevitable and knew what I had to do.  

I purposely used Norma and Pastor Herb as my example, made a new commitment to follow Russ’s calling where ever that would lead.  We sold our house and left 2 months later for Bible College stepping into our first ministry 18 months after meeting Pastor Herb and Norma.  They led us to Jesus, taught us the love of the Father, and demonstrated a Spirit filled life.  They have been friends and mentors 33 years. 

EVERY DECISION AND MILESTONE FILTERED THROUGH HERB

Through the years, every milestone, and every ministry decision has been made with their council, recommendations and full support.  Pastor Herb is closer than a brother.

He considered His faith serious business, but walked it out demonstrating his belief that life was meant to be fun.  He loved to tell stories to make a point. He was a joy in the pulpit and on a personal level.  We knew we had an open invitation at the Hull-i-day Inn and stopping through has always been a highlight of our trip.  

This tribute wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the pain he endured through the years.  None of us know why he suffered so, but I’m certain he found a way to make peace with His Lord and his suffering.  Pastor Herb was like that.

Pastor Herb, we love you and hope you know that without you, your sweet family, and your godly example, we truly don’t want to imagine where our family could be today.

11/18/2011 - Oklahoma City - on our way to Capital Hill A/G for his memorial this day.


Norma, we love you and your sweet family and hope to be support and encouragement in your time of loss and readjustment with out this wonderful man in you daily life.  You have our prayers.

I had been at the Vietnam Veterans Wall for nearly an hour, along with close to 800 other Run For The Wall riders who had just completed the cross country motorcycle ride.  The general public, and other groups were arriving for Rolling Thunder, and I was standing back, near the chain that controls the crowd,  trying to see my hubby, who had gone to find a Park Service employee.  He was busy helping a gentleman get rubbings of many names, friends he had lost in the Vietnam War.

It was time to leave.  I was emotionally spent.  I had personally held individual Run For The Wall "FNG Pin" ceremonies with several riders.

When a rider registers with Run For The Wall the first time, they are given a large button (pin) that say's FNG and is dated.  During the Vietnam War the term FNG meant the new guy was going to have to be trained, observed, and worked into the routine, which was a negative for the experienced warrior, so it was a derogatory term.  Run For The Wall has a tradition, we call them Fine New Guys or Gals, FNG, and the pin means that we will not take our eyes off of this rider, we will assist them when things get stressful, emotional, or difficult and we plan on standing with them at every challenge, including facing The Wall.

There are several methods for this, but once you've accomplished your mission getting to The Wall, your pin can be turned upside down and worn that way from this point on.  That Pin also gets the new rider into an incredible presentation at Arlington National Cemetery the Saturday we arrive, so it is treasured.

One of the things that has been done with that pin through the years, that I so appreciate, is if a rider is standing at The Wall and their pin is not upside down, an individual steps up, and welcomes the rider HOME!  Then asks their permission to call this "mission" completed.   Then mutually agreeing it's time to to turn their button upside down indicating they've arrived.  We have a brief discussion about their ride, the reason they rode, and get to know each other on a heart-to-heart basis during the brief ceremony.  Everyone breaks at this point.  You're vaguely aware of the crowd around you, families pushing strollers, babies sleeping, toddlers chattering, teens giggling and shoving each other as they pass, people on cell phones, getting photos, adults glancing but afraid to totally look into this sacred moment, scared they'll be pulled into it by peeking into the ceremony, it's private, poignant yet, a necessity, and memorable.

This year I stood in one place and looked for Pins that were still upright.  When I would see one, I would gently touch the arm of the Run For The Wall rider and ask, "You are here, you've arrived, are you ready to turn this pin upside down?"  I explain the significance of the Pin, chat with them about their ride, and we do the deed with tears.

Then, Michelle and I crossed paths.  I had probably already turned about 8 FNG pins, when I realized she was right by my side, she nearly shouted, "All these people, and look who I'm standing beside." 

We had ridden several legs of the trip side by side in the pack, she on her Harley me on my Yamaha sport bike.  We kept pace like clockwork, and got a lot of comments on our riding abilities coming across country.  She is the young lady who was already scheduled for ANOTHER tour overseas and was selected to ride in the active duty lead group for several legs of the trip.

After she and I hugged, I stepped back, and low and behold her PIN had not been turned.  I started shaking and tears started flowing.  I said, "Is your mission complete?  Are you ready to turn your RFTW 2011 Pin?  May I have the honor?" 

She said she would love for me to be the one to turn her Pin.  At that instant another lady rider stepped up, and took Michelle's camera to capture the moment, as we hugged and cried and my hands shook, turning her Pin upside down, I told Michelle:  "This is more than a ceremony for you and me, this is an act of passing the baton on my part, representing Run For The Wall and my generation, to you, as one of our current heroes, our willing warriors.  Carry on, you have our prayers and support." 

I told her that she was my inspiration across country, she's the reason I ride and that:  "Our Memorial is your Memorial until you have one of your own."

Initially posted on my blog, Judy's Run For The Wall

P.S. It's funny how the pin turning tradition has taken on so much meaning for me.  When I was a new rider, I couldn't figure out why so many riders wore their pins upside down.  The Mom in me wanted to go "fix" people's pins, but I didn't.  No one individual offered to or turned my pin my first year.  I turned it myself the second year once I realized the significance of it, so I've been determined ever since to not let anyone leave the Wall without that personal touch.

When my Mother gave me my Grandmother's Bible it came along with several boxes and plastic bags full of odds and ends from my parent's home.  They were moving into a retirement apartment and their daughters were getting lots of treasures from their past.  It was an incredible honor to be there for the moving event.

It wasn't till I returned home and went through the stacks of treasures that I realized I had become the owner of my Grandmother's last Bible.  Purchased just a few years before she died, by my Mother, gifted with gold engraved lettering "Jeneva Pryor" on the front cover.  I opened it, and read the gift notes my Mother had written to her Mother.  Then I let it naturally fall open to the pages that had been well read and the ones that had bookmarks and "church" papers.  It gently fell open to Psalm 51, and there was a letter between the pages still in the envelope.

The letter was from my Mother, and it gently explained to my Grandmother how forgiving God is.  It was a peek into the ministry that was shared between the two ladies.  I turned again and found a poem.  I was shocked.  It was "my poem."  I discovered it a few months after I became a Christian.  It is called "The Weaver."  I never knew it was Grandma's poem too.  She lived long enough to watch the transition in our lives and see us in ministry.  The day she died I was in an airplane flying above the clouds and God made it known to me that she was home.  When I got the call later that day, I already knew.  I sure loved my Grandma, and she was an incredible Christian woman.  16 years after her death, I had a divine appointment with my memory of her.