Family Letter by Debra

Dear Ladies,

When I think about time and how quickly or how slowly it seems to be passing by the word “moment” comes to my mind.  We are all very familiar with the expressions that use this word. Whether used literally or figuratively, these expressions are used in relationship to time and its duration.

These include “in a moment,” “at a moment’s notice,” “at any given moment,” “never a dull moment,” “at the moment,” “on the spur of the moment”. Also, “of the moment,” “for one moment,” “from this moment on,” “any moment now,” “one has one’s moments,” “moment to moment,” “moment of truth,” “moment of silence,” and of course “for a moment.”

The Lord through Paul uses one of these expressions to remind us that our affliction – our suffering, our distress, our pain, our trouble is but “for a moment”. It is temporary. It causes us to look forward to the glory we will experience once we are with the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you for that reminder, “at this moment” in time I need it the most.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17

“At the moment” I am still at Grace Bible Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. Grace was our sponsoring church while on the field in the Czech Republic, but now it is my home. I am one of the mission’s secretaries.  Also, I have been refreshing my skills at flower arranging, organizing, and light maintenance. I live in one of the church’s houses.

“Never a dull moment”is the best way to describe my life with my grandchildren. Even thou I do not get to spend time with my granddaughter, Lydia, who lives in Colorado, social media gives me the opportunity to enjoy seeing her grow into a beautiful young lady. We communicate through email and by phone. She has a heart for the Lord and shows His love to others. How many of you know the song The Hokey Pokey? – you remember - you put your right feet in, you take your right foot out and you … . A video was posted of Lydia and her daddy doing this song together – it made me laugh and cry at the same time.

“Never a dull moment” continues with Lilibeth, Eliana and, Elijah. Lilibeth, my second granddaughter is also growing into a beautiful young lady. She loves school. She takes part in the P.R.I.D.E choir, math club and Girl Scouts. I had the blessing of taking her to a math completion this year.  She was so excited to represent her school for the first time. Eliana loves to help everyone and shows much compassion.  Eliana is also into Girl Scouts, ballet, and other after school activities. Elijah is my buddy. He is with me most afternoons. He is learning to read, which is such a blessing to me. He gets to do many hands-on activities and field trips with his class. And of course, Grandma (that’s me) is always invited to all of their activities and she loves it. 

How many of you thought ‘’for one moment” that after home schooling my four children for a total of 25 years, I would be able to stay away from teaching. I am in the rotation at Grace for Sunday school and children’s church for visiting children.  Also, I work one day a week at the Elementary school where my younger grandchildren attend.

My life is very different now but day by day, and “moment by moment” I continue to move forward with this life, giving my burdens to the Lord to carry.  Even my light affection is too heavy for me to carry.  I thank the Lord each day for my children and my grandchildren for they help me to see His love.

Love and Prayers,

Debra