But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 ESV
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
Ok two.
In the first scripture, the word distress is sometimes written as trouble or adversity like difficulties depending on the version you read. My time has been taken in a sense by stepping in again to help care for someone I care about who has been trying to heal after surgery. It surely has been a challenge for me and has left me somewhere in a place I find difficult to be in. It isn't that I can't it's that the person is demanding at times and there hasn't been any room for me.
I'm so thankful God is my refuge and His word hidden in my heart ~ I also had the best beautiful blessing to start my day a part of a favorite song sung and sent by audio text - Way Maker. He is certainly that and more. So with all the happenings that are not so pleasant, I know He makes a way when their doesn't seem to be one or when some of my thoughts come out like above. :)
This post is a tribute to my mom, and really to all mom's and their self-less, perhaps sacrificial love for their children.
"May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! Proverbs 23:25"
My mom was very young when I was born. Though I don't know where all the photo's have gone over the years, we lived in a a couple places before my brother was born. Though on a surprising note, not to many siblings can say we were born on the same day four years apart. Again, I wished I had more photo's of that time, but I have the pictures and memories I've stored inside.
"And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51
This was the first and last birthday I remember ever having when we were kids. Our cousins were there and my childhood friend Diane. I mentioned to mom one time it would have been nice to have had your picture and she responded - well you have the cake I made and my big toe! lol
My brother and I were always together and I watched over him as long as I could remember like a mother hen. On a sweet note to share, mom told me that when he was born I thought he was my birthday present and claimed him as mine. :)
"Children are a heritage (gift) from the Lord, the fruit of the womb (offspring) a reward (from him)" Psalm 127:3 [NLT, NIV, ESV]
A year or two later, and wishing this were a better photo, was our last Christmas spent in this house. The last "magical" one for a kid or I had growing up. After that I remember coming home one day from school with everything in the house gone. Sitting in the driveway was a car packed up, I was introduced to the man driving and we headed out the road for Florida. I didn't get to see or say goodbye to anyone or my dad. I was in first grade we didn't have kindergarten at the time, and I think we were possibly close to our next birthday, but I now have no one to ask.
I never forgot that Christmas and when my boys were little I tried to have my own traditions while keeping one my mom did for us. Oddly enough I couldn't quite recall how the stockings came to be - though I was always filling my boys stockings and placing them on their beds at night so when they woke they had a happy surprise. Later years down the road my mom shared this after I sent a post from my blog to her on stockings I'd been making:
"The tradition with the stockings came from along time ago when I was a kid. When you and Dave were small I would wrap every single thing in your stocking and put them on your bed for when you woke up. I'd hear you guys in there laughing and ripping off paper. I think the stockings were always the high light of Christmas, I know it was for your sisters. It was filled every year until they got married. So was their Easter Basket. When they married they were past to the husbands to continue on, some did and some didn't. I think it all depended on how they were raised in their family. Oh that guy singing I think The Keeper of My Heart (post) what a voice. Enjoyed that a lot. Well I have to close and get ready for work, Miss you.You guys have a wonderful Christmas. oxoxoxoxoxoxox Mom" 12.22.2014
When I think about the selfless or sacrificial love of a mom I do think of mine. After getting to Florida, I wasn't happy there and things weren't good, not right. I did go to school for a bit. There was a gentlemen who lived next store though I didn't quite remember the how I got to school details, the name of the school or how long I attended. Mom mentioned when I was older and married that he was the pastor/something in charge of this Christian School there. I remember the classroom even the kid who sat behind me, he used to eat his pencils then ask for mine! He asked me one day can I have a pencil, I handed him one and said please don't eat this one, he replyed "I won't" - do you promise I asked - he said yes. Honestly, I don't remember if he did after and then we all went out for recess. Oh they did have a pop machine and I had RC with my sandwich. I don't remember how I even got back from school, or even the mans name, only my brother being happy I got back.
Now getting back to the sacrificial love of a mom - I don't know how much time went by all I can say is my mom knew we weren't to be there, it wasn't working. One day my grandpa (pap), my dad's dad, showed up. He and my mom talked for awhile - bags were packed and we walked out to a taxi. Looking back, my mom was standing on the porch and waving goodbye. We watched each other until we drove out of sight and that was the last time we lived with her.
I realize this sounds hard to believe for those who might be reading this. From a young age I knew I wasn't to be there but didn't realize the full extent of what mom did for us. We got on a plane and headed back to PA where we all got on with our lives. We lived in one grandparents house that was next door to the other. I got back to school and went to church every Sunday with my mom's mom and dad. My mom stayed in Florida - remarried and my first sister was born in which my brother and I even played with her when they came to visit grandma and grandpa, she was about three or four. As a mom myself I'm not sure how I would have done this. Mom was next door and we never visited each other. Though I have to believe she had the strength to do what was hard and even heartbreaking - She loved us. I'm also sure it was how she could deal with it.
The Bibles shares about mom's who had a sacrificial love putting their children above their own needs, Moses' mom was one, in order to save her son, she put herself aside to save him to become "Moses." . Exodus 2
Hannah was another, all she wanted was to have a child and in return gave him up - back to the Lord for something better - even greater than realized. 1Samuel 1
Each story here God honored and bless the mother and the children, He answered their prayers. When I was younger and growing into a teen I started thinking about what my mom did. I also felt sad because there was't any real communication with mom, we all just moved forward. We even moved out west years later, of course we always were in contact with my mom's parents and all our other relatives. Mom later sent me little trinkets of mine that I made or had from school even a gift I purchased for her at a school fund raiser, she kept it all. One year I received a poncho she made for me when I was twelve I still have it. She keep my brothers bear in the above picture - which I think he still has. 'Mother's do store up treasures in their hearts' ~
"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?" Isaiah 49:15
Sometimes mom's do what is needed while putting themselves aside. I have found over the years having to do what was best all the while putting my desires aside. The Lord also helped me get through many things that were difficult for me what my mom did also took courage and strength that came from an inner source. I don't know if she realized from who at the time and we never got to talk about it, I never brought it up.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25
Years passed and I was married having children of my own, prior to that I found it harder to think about that time and feeling we were robbed of family. I was hurt and a bit angering - enough so that I had to ask for God's forgiveness with how I was feeling. I needed inner healing myself, I learned to forgive.
Now saying this is interesting. I did forgive, however, I still didn't live around my mom she also had a different family of her own. Being we were also in the Coast Guard we did live from one side of the country to the other. One year we traveled to our new duty station in Virginia. In driving distance we weren't to far from family in Pennsylvania. While here I thought a lot about what I asked the Lord.
We had some time off and we planned to go visit family. I asked the Lord and thinking I was good and all was forgiven, I asked Him, if you want me to see her I'll leave it in your hand, saying this while all the while thinking 'plotting' how not to run into her. So we made it PA and to my gramma house. We went upstairs and in the kitchen we sat visiting, I keep thinking my mom was probably at work. To our surprise a car drove up and cellar door opened, gram went to the door and realizing it was mom. She was shook and moving back and worth from door to table didn't know what to do. I said it's okay ~ When my mom saw me she ran to table almost jumping over grabbing me and in tears! Tears of every old emotion passing and we had tears of joy!
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."Romans 8:18
I got to see my other two younger sisters and we all kept in touch - Mom had a birthday party for me and made me a cake.
All of us got together and went to Kennywood Park for the first ever family outing. I even got to ride that wooden rollercoaster I'd been dying to since very young!
I can only speak for myself, I felt as God blessed us being reunited together and it was as years past were wiped clean. All was forgiven and gone.
We made up for lost time. We visited ruins in NM - celebrated weddings and even went to teas.
With this tea, a beautiful time we had and our last in person visit.
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;" Isaiah 33:13
God in his love for all of us comforted us at our time apart. I believe my mom believe that we would all be together one day. I think that was our hope.
While in Florida I have to share this and really what started my thoughts on this post/Tribute to my mom.
Last fall I had a dream that was so real. My mom and I were way up in the air it seemed like we were sitting in a small plane and facing each other. Mom was sitting near a window and she looked beautiful and without using oxygen. I had the sense we were floating actually felt weightless and airy to touch. It was sunny with the most beautiful clouds - then I woke up. What came to mind as I was smiling she would be leaving soon. I shared the dream with her not saying what I believed.
I had one other dream while she was in rehab. They were hoping to help strengthen her to return home. I believe we all knew she wasn't necessarily recovering but we were hopeful she would at least breathe more comfortable and enjoy her time. (my thoughts anyway) So while she was there I talked to her as much as I could, mom was having hard time with her phone or seeing to text. When I spoke to her maybe earlier from the last day I did, I had another dream and vision I saw years before. She was standing on the porch in Florida smiling waving goodbye. I woke up and knew she would be leaving. That vision in my dream prompted this post.
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6
Here about two years ago my mom gave her testimony at her church before heading back to live in Florida with my sister and her family. I don't have the audio yet (working on it) however, I listened livestream and was blown away to hear she gave her life to the Lord at fourteen at a Billy Graham Crusade. My first thought was gee that would have been nice to have known! I also appreciated what she said, that she had made many mistakes. I can't quote word for word but will said God was there. I know exactly how this is.
Knowing you have God in your heart as savior you know that we are not yet perfected we still make mistakes but God in his love for us His mercies are new every morning we have forgiveness in Him and a relationship with Him. He is working out all the details of our lives - that is those who are His. This is what make it hard for the unbelieving to understand. We needed a Savior which is Jesus. And those who are His know it in their hearts, though we do make mistakes we know our destination. My mom knew this and she is there. I can celebrate that as I miss her here.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Psalm 34:18
He also restores families! And will continue even if some do know how this can be, He is hearing someones prayer.
"I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, Joel 2:25
"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
Nancy Lou (Baker) Dickey (1939 – 2025)
We will be celebrating Nancy’s life on March 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Saturday at Salina Bible Church, 4132 PA-819, Avonmore, PA 15618, with refreshments following.
With Nancy’s faith in the Lord, she could stand on His word. ‘We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from body and home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
My mind is full of memories from when I was a child. I suppose most people think of times past, around the Christmas season, though not all has to be related to Christmas. There are things you may hear or see that triggers a memory. You could say reflections and my recollection of memories.
One memory that has always been dear to me was practicing on my gram's piano the song Toyland written in 1903 by Victor Herbert, not that I'm that old I just grew-up with my gram. Well, Toyland has been played over the years around Christmas, and in the movie "Babes in Toyland" that usually aired that time for us classic buffs. Though I was learning to play I don't know if relatives and friends alike were aware that my Gram and dad played piano, actually my dad played many instruments, I can't fully remember which one was teaching me how to play Toyland, maybe both, but I do remember I started with this song. I was very young, I imagine around seven or eight possibly younger.
My dad's brother would tell us stories of my dad sitting at the piano with me playing Toyland, he'd say darn if it didn't sound good! Sadly, for me it didn't go anywhere. One year we traveled to Arizona staying a short few months only having to leave as my gram's brother was very ill. I don't remember if he passed away before returning or shortly after, that was tough for me - he and I were pals. I was also sad to find not only my grams piano gone with any future lessons, but my bike and little treasures I collected.
I was heart broken especially not to be able to pal around with my Uncle Russ.
Which brings another memory to mind with Uncle Russ that was triggered recently while I was in a feed store.
Aw - just a moment ~ it turned out to be a beautiful day so I'm outside for the first time - ever - possibly - enjoying this moment. . . now back to a memory, ;)
While in the feed store I happened to notice a tube of Veterinary Liniment Gel on the counter. I picked it up and inquired if this was for humans as well, since Veterinary was on the packaging. I also remembered the liquid was used for horses. Anyway, I answered my own question and shared this story with the clerk. When I was a young girl I was always hanging out with my Uncle Russ feeding and watching the chickens or checking out what the cow was doing. One day we finished up and headed in for our treat of molasses milk. but Uncle Russ went into the living room and sat down on an ottoman asking Aunt Millie to get the liniment for his lower back it was hurting bad. So she did. The Liniment wasn't in a gel but liquid and when she started to put in on his lower back it ran down through a spot you normally see on silly plumbers and he let out a yell, one I never heard before! I decided right then I'd never use the stuff! Well I bought it and thought my dad could try it. ha ha So bringing it home I said, "dad I saw this and thought it might work on your joints that have been hurting." He then said, what! I think I have some, sure enough a large bottle just sitting on the shelf behind him. So I kept the tube of liniment gel - I've been using it myself and it works pretty good, it's even better since it can't run away to places its not suppose to and shouldn't!
It's still beautiful out I'm not sure how much I'll get to on this post ~ !2.31.24
Here it is day 6 into a new year and Happy New Year!
It's so true that memories can be triggered by things we see and hear, as stories and music whether happy or sad. I hope the thoughts and memories you have are happy to visit once in awhile.
As a child I had the best times at this old farm house. It was my great grand parents, built by their son. He also built a house next door for him and his wife. There was also a cabin that some were born in that burnt down - I would've loved to have seen it or had picture. The big house was splint down the middle so to speak, where my Uncle Russ and Aunt Millie lived and after mom (great gram) passed away it was filled with another sib and family. This farm was a Childs paradise with places to hide, forts to build, grass to run, and hills to climb, woods to venture and hike, and even just past the pasture before hitting some woods a running creek. Even the field was spent playing ball and the dirt roads were our track to race cousins on our bikes. There were chickens to feed and a cow to milk, food and stories to tell around the table. I miss it! It seemed like simpler from a kids persecutive - as an adult I know the work was hard. My Uncle Russ and I would venture out and discuss the animals and when done we'd go into the house to enjoy a glass of molasses milk and - believe it or not, since it's me, circus peanuts that I can't even look at anymore! lol The milk is another story, :)
My husband and I spent so much time traveling. When we finally got out of the CG we settled only to move to where we thought we'd stay. For the most part there our boys were able to do some of the things I did growing up. At least I hope they had enjoyed the times together with each other and good friends they made. Still I sure would have loved them to have had that old farm house. I think when moving around - yes, you might grow while seeing many new things that those who stay put don't, however, those who move around sometimes loose out on some things that those who stay put have. (I don't even know if that makes any sense!) I was always thankful for those I met at church we fellowshipped with. They were our family away from family. We were so blessed to have everyone of them in our lives.
One last memory to share since we just had Christmas. When I was young I so loved the wooded hollow this time of the year, frankly, any area where the trees are glistening with snow. OH so beautiful. Well, when looking across the hollow from the road you could see the house, since the trees were bare or dusted with snow, you could see all the way to my gramma's window. She had a big picture window where she placed her tree. You could see the lights on the tree that looked so big and beautiful. When reaching the house and entering only to find with surprise a 2 foot high Christmas tree! There it was, sitting on an end table front and center of the window, every year she used that tree. I loved it. I think my brother still has that tree. :) I sure wished I had a picture to share.
I believe, and this is my opinion, that memories can be good but you are not to stay, indefinably, for the Lord has a beautiful life planned for those who are His. Are you one?
From that kid in me, my memories I hold dear, however, I'm believing that the best is yet to come. "I know that God has the best yet to come" His word tells us so. It's important we move forward.
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Not only that - as His daughter through my relationship with Him, I have a story, a testimony (many) - which is something I share here. We all do. I'm sure if you take a look back throughout your life whether you were a 'believer' or not, honestly take a look how you got through what seemed to be impossible times and challenges. Through prayers of others, prayers you conveyed as if into the air through longings and all the while not recognizing God was listening and answering out of His love for you. As if a miracle happened. Maybe not all who are reading this post but many of you. He's waiting.
To hold on to the past as in never moving forward is a mistake. I love going to Dos Cabezas in Willcox, AZ, the owner has little quotes on the cup sleeves. A recent sleeve said, "Don't look back you're not going that way." (a wise quote I'd say) I always use this scripture verse for the New Year, Philippians 3:12-14 (I'll let you look it up today.) - in place of a resolution. I don't like making 'resolutions' though I always look to doing better with the Lord's help and guidance.
In closing, I hope you're blessed who read and seek Him daily. Shalom ~
Long before I was even born, my gram and uncle Russ on the farm, they were best pals too.
Just a favorite picture of mine.
A Happiest of New Years to You & Yours With All God's Good Blessings ~
We heard it was coming, that much-anticipated rain. But when? Monsoons you might ask, why yes for in the desert areas of the southwest it's the desire every moisture loving person, animal, bird, bug and plant long for. Even every creeping creature all long for moisture that refreshing that replenishes. Last evening the clouds were building to what I hoped would be a monsoonal dream. We had all the excitement of thunder and lightning with the beautiful sound of rain. I hoped it would last.
"Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted. He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. Who can understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven? See how he spreads the lightning around him and how it lights up the depths of the sea. By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance." Job 36:26-31 NLT
There was a time and not so long ago I would have had my camera ready to go capture a shot and at any given time. I was always interested in grabbing shots of moisture especially living here. And, it had been quite a while since I've been able to sit here with a few shots of moisture for posting. The last time I posted about Moisture was September 15, 2014, as you can imagine living in a desert area, if you don't, anticipating the long-awaited rain is something you seem to dream about. I had other shots from my camera several years past only to be lost. This morning's photos were taken from my cell. I thought why not, they weren't too bad - though not the quality of my camera. ;/
The clouds below were building this afternoon we're anticipating that needed rain. We haven't seen close to a real monsoon season in a long while. Or maybe I hadn't notice with the "pinball" machine busy I've been in - maybe a little of both.
He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. Job 37:11 NLT
I don't think anyone would disagree we all are in need of refreshing. Whether it is to replenish the ground in which you walk or possibly one of a healing or repenting nature. Even King David needed a touch from God, many times.
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Psalm 32:3-4 ESV
He wants to heal the dry parched world and the lives we live. And whether or not we get our rainy season, I'll trust Him for my refreshing. Vicky
One day in November of 2023, [I truly can't believe it was that long ago for in my mind it started in January] I was heading out the driveway and looking down I saw a dark rock/stone in the shape of a heart. Being a lover of rocks etc. I snatched it up.
This started a surprising over the next several days in through December, the 'I could hardly believe it times' when I kept seeing heart-shaped stones in which I gathered up. They were visibly all over the drive and property.
Not all are perfect, but you can make out a heart shape in them, many better than others.
You could say some might be a bit questionable but to the collector you can see the heart.
Seeing these heart-shaped rocks have continued on throughout the winter.
I haven't a clue as to how they came to be, or how I seem to keep seeing them?
My sister said someone might be sending them from heaven. :)
All different sizes and colors, some with imperfections and neat designs.
3.19.24
Overall, I have collected around 54 that you can see the shape good to okay. Now what to do with all the rocks/stones. Which is it rocks or stones?
I had a discussion with my favorite grandson :) (only) and shared with him what I wanted to do with the lot. I shared that I knew a young girl around his age that was battling a giant. This giant as far as I know is not known. So, I can't say what it is exactly, but it is something that has been making her ill and has been battling for a while. She also likes collecting rocks and told me that her favorite is river rock that she can paint.
She also knows David's faith in God and God's love for her. I think that's where the "heart-shaped" stones come into play. I believe they also represent the LORD Jesus who is our ROCK. The heart simply is God's love.
Is a rock the same as a stone? I read on the internet there seems to be a different answer for many. Here are a few.
Earth Science - Geology a rock is an object and stone are a substance.
Geeks for Geeks - Rocks can range in size from small pebbles to large mountain ranges. Stones are smaller, often hand-sized or smaller.
Quora (in which a gentleman answered on the forum a geologist for 38 years) said Rock is natural material. Stone is rock material used by humans as suggesting - Rocks lie on the ground. When David picks a rock up off the ground and uses it to kill Goliath, we call it a stone. He went on with some other descriptive thoughts, as with rock it can lay beneath the surface but in the end shared it was okay to use the words interchangeably and to just be aware of the subtle differences in language use. Interesting.
I'm hoping my young collector friend will like the stones and put them to a creative use. Maybe I'll be able to post a picture of the outcome! God is also a collector / caretaker of our hearts.
I think I picked up,
All the hearts
You showed me.
I didn’t have to
Look so hard
To see each one
In front of me.
Some are more visible
With there outlined curve,
Smooth and clean.
The rest are hidden,
Embodied with rougher shapes,
Not as pristine. But ~
Still there to see.
O’ Father if I
Could only see
The hearts You’ve
Place before me.
As You see them ~
VLB
3.25.24 6:45AM
For me what the ‘heart-shaped’ stones also represent for this post.
I sometimes fail miserably to see what is in front of me. When my eyes are focused on something other than You. I can be deceived thinking I might not be. O’ Father that I would cling and focus ever on You ~ VLB 3.26.24 6:30AM
David used simple stones to slay a giant and it wasn’t just a giant that day. David a small boy had faith and confidence in the Lord to face what was hard for grown men to face because of their lack of _____. I'm sure you can fill in the blank with your own thoughts. We also face giants at times and many of them. I don't imagine it will change soon.
Youngsters today also face giants whether it is an illness, a bully, peer pressure at their schools, media, an unhappy home, lack of nutrition, I'm sure the list could go on awhile. One thing my grandson said to me when he was seven, I like sharing this, when eating something he did care for; he said, "gramma I might not like this, but I'll deal with it!" I told him that is the most grown-up thought for a kid his age, for there were many grow-ups that don't know how to deal with things they might not like. He was pleasantly surprised answering "really!" It was a big deal for him to hear that. :)
Do you have a ROCK to stand on and a stone to use? Do you have faith to exercise as David to slay your giants? Do you know the LOVE God has for you? Do you know sometimes we might fail but to know the LOVE God has for us and His ability with His Holy Spirit in us, mixed with a measure of faith we can take a simple stone to slay our giants.
Much like us, the heart-shaped stones are representative of us - we were all created by God who loves us all. Even with our different shapes and sizes, all our imperfections whether smooth or rough, good or bad days with regrets and failures, there is no difference to how God loves us. We can trust Him with everything His outcomes are ALWAYS the best. Amen
