Waiting Game

Yes, the money that was granted was deposited in our Canadian Bank, and now comes the process to see how this money can be transferred to South Carolina. We have to ask the Lord for His patience so that all will go smoothly.

FINALLY!

We received news today that Canada Revenue has processed the sale of the property in London and the 25% tax that I should have been paying them monthly plus interest they added brought the price w-a-y down. However, we are thankful that this part of this episode is over. Their 4 months of dawdling in the process is now behind us. There are suppose to be additional tax forms that I will have to fill out, and since I last filled out a Canadian Income Tax form which was in 1957, it will be a challenge for me. We do praise the Lord that He is in command. We thank Thee, our Father for Thy guidance and love!

Almost 4 Months and Counting

We are still waiting on Canada Revenue to act on our petition for the release of the house payment tht the lawyer in London has been required to hold until they review whether we owe them TAX money. I, especially, have to exercise patience awaiting this agency to act on our petition.

Our God is in Control

Every day that I wake up and have a note of Thanksgiving to our Wonderful Creator for another day to live and breathe. And then I look over the see the wonderful bride He gave me over 60 years ago and my praise to Him just doubles. And here we now are at the end of another week, and I look around and see the sun so gloriously shining -- it is a reminder that the presence of God is so real, that even though we can not look into the sun, it's presence is so wonderfully felt in warmth and light. There are not enough words to express my praise, my love and my thanks to a God Who would love and bless an individual like me.

Appointments

We receive these reminders from Doctors offices that we either must make an appointment or a reminder to keep one coming up. These appointments creep up on us and we are thankful that these reminders are made. It seems the older we get we need to be reminded for so many things. That seems true when it comes to our Relationship with the Lord Jesus. It is wonderful to hear the Word of God in the version that we memorized during our younger years. Often, when we hear the Scripture quoted by the Minister during his sermon, that both Joy and I repeat the Scripture aloud as it is being quoted in the sermon. How precious and alive the Word of God becomes, and the fellowship we have with our Living Lord brings real life into our beings. What a reminder of the appointment that we have when the Glorious Chariot of our God comes for our final ride Home.

Century + Six!

Here is a picture of my Mom and Dad in the 1950's!

One Hundred and six years ago today my Mother was born in London, England. However she only lived to her 89th birthday. She may have had only a 3rd grade education; however, she did accomplish a few things in her life like mastering basic arithmetic, and during World War II she did obtain a machinist certificate that qualified her to work for Central Aircraft just outside of London, Ontario that manufactured the Mosquito bomber that was quite effective in the war effort. She had her good qualities as well as her bad, but she did have a love for the Lord Jesus that she passed on to her family. This is another memory that captivates me.

Closing!

We got word today that the closing of he house sale in London was finalized around 11 AM and the Lawyer is holding the proceeds until Canada Revenue issues the Certificate permitting them to release the payment to us. The Lawyer's Secretary tried contacting them but the person who hanles this at the tax office was not there. So it will require patience for them release the funds to be deposited in my bank account there in Canada. We have just committed this to the Lord for His intervention.

Anticipation and Memories

Have you ever reminisced about the years that have passed? August 3rd is coming up and will bring about the end of a 77 year period when we moved next door to the house that will change hands as the closure of the sale transpires. It was in the early 30's that my parents moved from an apartment on Rectory Street in London near the CNR tracks to 1052 King Street during the great depression, and my Dad was hired by the City to work on the "river gang" for "relief stamps". The assistant fire chief for the City lived next door and offered their house to buy at a very low price. That was in 1933 and we moved into that house which will see a new owner on Tuesday, and from which I would attend my Public School, Boyle Memorial, and then go to High School at Sir Adam Beck Collegiate (Both schools now gone -- one tore down and the other taken over by the Board of Education).

I saw my Father do some remodeling by flooring the attic and making a play room and bedroom for me; and by adding a dormer window at the back of the house to overlook the garden area. I saw three of my four sons brought home from the hospital after birth to that house. After moving away to go to school in Chicago; ministering in South Bend and Kimmell, Indiana, then in Hudson, Michigan, and then moving to Greenville, South Carolina; we would return to visit my parents in London, Ontario at this same house.

After Mom and Dad's decease, we let my Father's home care giver live there for almost 12 years. And now comes the end of an era when we must let this house go.

Yes, there are a lot of memories that come back to mind, but we must move on as we walk on the threshold of Eternity. One last memory that comes to mind, and that is on the day following closure on the house, it would have been my Mother's 106th birthday.

Now the question; what does tomorrow hold? Only my God knows!

Another July Birthday coming up

Our "plucky" little preemie baby, GABRIELA GRACE LAWRENCE will be turning 6 this coming Monday (July 26th). How blessed we have been with this young lady, who has a mind of her own, yet a mind that is being trained in the Things of the Lord (thanks to her Mommy who has been home schooling her girls). We look forward to seeing, if the Lord tarries His coming, how this young lady will be used to bring honor and glory to her Savior.

Just a week and 4 days until the signing for the completion of the home sale in London. Having to go back over boxes of papers regarding the expenses incurred in maintaining this house over the past 12 years has been a monumental task. Now all the papers have been submitted and we wait for the closure. After 75 years of having a connection to this house, we will be left with a lot of memories. However, the Lord Jesus said "I go and prepare a place for you . . . in my Father's House are many mansions", and I await my new mansion which I believe to be my new body . . . this present one is wearing out.

Trusting HIM

More paper work for the selling of the house in London has come to the front and needs to be taken care of. I need to dig up all the information over the past 12 years related to taxes, insurance, warranties, equipment rental, house repairs and renovations. Being over 800 road miles away from this property, and being unable to travel due to my age and health, the stress can be sometimes a little more than one can seem to bear. However, as the "Title" suggests, it means my Trust in HIM is enormously important to me.

As for our family, July is an important month for birthdays. Our Great Grandson, Kyle, just celebrated his 5th birthday this week as a pirate. His Momma baked him a treasure chest birthday cake and he dressed up as a pirate.

This coming week we have two birthdays; our Granddaughter Andrea, will reach the double digit age of 10 on Monday (July 12th), and then our eldest son, Tim will have a birthday on Tuesday, July 13th. There are more birthdays this month that will be posted later.

Waiting for HIS Coming!

This being the Lord's Day, we were blessed with the messages from His Word. Seeing all the turmoil and trouble around the world, we have to say "Even so, COME, LORD JESUS". In spite of all these woes, it is so wonderful to experience the closeness of our Savior, and our constant communion with Him. It is so hard to put in to words, but His presence is so near, and His leading is so real. So, each moment of the day, we take each step knowing that He is leading. What a Wonderful Savior and God we have!

34 Years and 1 Year Anniversary

It is hard to believe that Tim and Janie have been married 34 years today, and that Beth Anne and Rence Cochran were married 1 year ago tomorrow (the 20th of June). Time has flown by so fast but we see all that our God has done in blessing these homes. How important it is to keep bathing these 2 married couples in Prayer, because we have seen how Satan will attack the Christian marriage. Not only will we continue to pray for them, but we will continue praying God's protection upon them and their homes. We have nothing but praise and thanksgiving for the way our Heavenly Father puts a hedge around our children, grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren as we pray earnestly for them. Thank you for praying with us!

Congratulations, Alissa!

Congratulations, Alissa, on passing your citizenship test. We're happy for you that soon the invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony will soon be forthcoming. You will not only be a citizen of the United States of America, but will retain your Canadian citizenship, as well as the most important citizenship, and that is your Heavenly Citizenship. Not many can say they have all three. We are also proud of you.

36 Years Today

It was June 14, 1974 that our son Mark, took Darlene Bolin to be his Wife. And today they celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. God couldn't have blessed our family with such a wonderful Daughter-in-law; and through their marriage they have given us two precious grandchildren, and they in turn have given us seven most precious GREAT grandchildren. This is a day that we look with great thanksgiving that our God has poured His blessings upon ur lives and our homes.

Another Week of Blessing!

Yesterday, (Thursday) we were blessed with the visit of three precious girls with their Mommy. The energy expended by the 2 older girls, ages 2 years, and the other 19 months, exhausted us and the 3rd girl, 2 weeks old, will soon follow in her sisters footsteps. Jessica, our granddaughter, and her three daughters, Larkyn, Lailyn and London honored our home with their afternoon visit. We are so blessed to have children, grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren that are being taught the Word of God, and seeking to honor Him.

May we exhort you to check the Blog of our Son and Daughter-in-law's Church (as well as two of our Grandchildren and their families) as they build their new Church near Tigerville, SC. The Church has obtained the help of a volunteer group called "CARPENTERS FOR CHRIST" that have come from Alabama, and will construct this Church in 9 days (weather permitting). These workers are housed at the North Greenville College campus, about 2 miles north of the Church and the ladies of the Church are feeding these 65 men for this period. Go to the Church's blog website at: http://bbcinsouthcarolina.blogspot.com/ and see the pictures and comments as to the daily progress.

Surgery Put-off

We received word today that Ray Wightman's by-pass surgery has been canceled because of various medical problems that would make him high risk. They will be transporting back to the Palmerston District Hospital where he will receive other medical treatments. We have been praying for Ray and will continue to do so because his life is being sustained by the Hand of the Great Physician, the Lord Jesus. We also pray for our Niece and Nephews who have the responsibilities of making he hard decisions. How long he will remain in the Palmerston Hospital is not known at this time.

Great Family Get-together

Saturday we had a wonderful family get-together when Pete brought Sherri and her boy friend for us to meet when the 24 of us met at Andy's Church social room. Sherri introduced John V. Lindsay to us who lives and works in Alabama, and we enjoyed he fellowship. We missed Tim and Janie and their 3; Christy, Amy and Daniel -- Tim and Janie were in Texas where Tim is currently working, and Christy and Amy flew to Washington State to attend a wedding.

We were also surprised with an Anniversary cake, baked and decorated by our Granddaughter-in-law, Alissa, Ben's Wife.

A Great Family Get-together

Saturday, May 29th, we had a wonderful family get-together when Pete brought Sherri and her b

The Fragile Life

Last night around 11 PM we received a call that Joy's brother, Ray Wightman was in the Palmerston, Ontario Hospital. Tuesday night, he and his son Blair, his wife, Rosemary took Ray to the Rotary Club where Blair's son, Benjamin, was speaking to the Rotarians about a sponsored Leadership conference, in London, and Ray felt ill and passed out, There was a doctor there as a guest from a neighboring town, and he advised Blair to take him to he emergency at the Palmerston Hospital where it was determined Ray had suffered an heart attack. He is being held there until either Friday or Monday when he will be moved to Kitchener, Ontario's St. Marys Hospital for further tests that will be conducted to determine the cause of this heart attack. We kindly ask that you pray with us concerning Ray's condition.

Additional information has come in that London Ruth Smith came into this world at 7:56AM, 8 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long. Our God has richly blessed our Family.

Our 7th Great-Grandchild

This morning at 7:56 our Granddaughter delivered an 8 pound 2 ounce baby girl. They have named her London to join her two sisters, Larkyn and Lailyn. As all details are not available at the moment, we will post them later.

60 Wonderful Years

60 years ago today, we stood in front of our Preacher, Pastor Richard Adamson of Dundas Street Baptist Church, London, Ontario, who came to Clifford, Ontario to perform our marriage. We have been extremely Blessed by our Heavenly Father, over these past 60 years and thankful for His intervention in our lives.

The End of Another Week

This is Friday, and although it was a dreary day outside, we had a wonderful day together inside. Joy was able to speak with her childhood and teenage girl friend and reminisce about those days, and it is wonderful to recall the good times they had together in Clifford, Ontario, Canada.

We are also awaiting the arrival of our seventh great-grandchild. According to our Granddaughter, there is only 7 days until arrival date. We also know that babies do not always arrive on the day they are suppose to, so we anxiously await. Who knows, this baby may come on our 60th anniversary, which is only 3 days away. We will just have to wait and see, eh!

It is also strawberry season here in South Carolina, and we have been enjoying these local berries topped with Florida blueberries and frozen vanilla yogurt. Springtime is a wonderful time of new beginnings.

Another New Week

This is Monday, a week before our 60th Wedding Anniversary which will be a week from today. It seems that we celebrate our key anniversary dates at the doctors. For our 50th wedding Anniversary we were both receiving our IV chelation treatments in Landrum, SC. And for our 60th anniversary, Joy has an appointment at her doctor's for Lab. work. I suppose that we will have a quiet time later that day. However, we have nothing but Praise to our Heavenly Father for the way He has Blessed and kept us over the years. We keep our eyes Heavenward for His anticipated return; and with the events of the world, economically, spiritually and weather-wise, it certainly seems to point to the soon return of our Savior. What a wonderful "celebration" that would make for our anniversary -- "even so, come, Lord Jesus".

London Real Estate Acceptance

We have prayed about the property we inherited in London, and as we approach the latter prt of our golden years, we have a buyer in London who has accepted our price. Our chief concern is for the tenant who is living there and the new buyer who would want a much higher "fee" for his continued living there, and knowing that the pay scale of this tenant would be unable to meet this additional cost along with his utilities of this home. It will be a considerable step down in living for him, and we pray that he will find the accommodations that will meet his needs.

The closing date for this transaction is set at the moment for August 3rd, un less the tenant who has been given until July 31st to find new quarters can find a new location sooner; then closing will be moved up.

Also for the month of May, we have 5 birthdays to remember. First is Alanna, Alissa and Jeremy's sister on May 4th; then May 8th is Pete Lawrence's birthday; May 11th is Amy Lawrence's birthday; then my brother-in-law, Len Wightman has a birthday on May 12th; next our granddaughter, Jessica (Lawrence) Smith on May 19th; and finally, Jim Smith (Alissa and Jeremy's Father) has a birthday on May 20th. We also have 3 wedding anniversaries this month -- Jess and Jeremy will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on May 13th,; Joy and I will celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary on May 24th; and finally there is Jim and Sharon Smith's (Alissa and Jeremy's parents) wedding anniversary on May 27th. This is a busy month for birthdays and anniversaries.

3rd Da;y of House Listing

The first offer that was issued, was canceled by the prospective buyer. However. another prospective buyer submitted an offer that we resubmitted to counter the lower offer. We are waiting to hear if those conditions will be accepted and we can continue with the fulfillment of these conditions and the closing of he house sale can go forth. We may sell the house but we can not erase the memories that are in that old house. Three of our four sons were brought home to that home to raise, and there are many stories that could be told of events that happened there before we moved to Chicago to attend school.

2nd Day of House Listing

We got an e-mail from the Realtor of the listing of the house and a few minutes later he submits the 1st offer for buying from another Realtor. Today (Saturday) there are 3 showings of the house in the later morning, and another showing late in the afternoon. We hope to hear the results of these showings later today.

Our granddaughter, Beth Anne, graduated with a BA in Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama last night (CONGRATULATIONS, BETH ANNE). Now we pray that a full time teaching position will arise for the coming school year. We ask that you pray with us that his will occur soon for her, so she will have the assurance of a position.

Selling London House

I have obtained a Realtor in London, Ontario to see about selling my house in London. We have had an excellent tenant there who has kept up with the house and property and it is difficult having to tell him that the house must be sold. However, when you are in your 80's it is imperative that "excessive baggage" must go. As this transaction progresses, I will post it on the blog.

Another Week , , ,!

Saturday night, and we look forward o the Lord's Day in hearing the Word of God. This week we had the privilege of having our Granddaughter with our 2 great granddaughters, Larkyn and Laelyn and seeing their litle active bodies playing with the toys we have for these little ones. Both Joy and I felt exhausted jus watching them. Then having both of them come up before leaving for home and giving us their goodbye kiss made it all worth while.

Hearing Andy and Rosana's girls play the piano is also a thrill, and we heard tonight that Andrea who played in a contest yesterday came in 2nd of all the contestants. We're so thrilled that most of our grandchildren are proficient in their piano playing. Pete's daughter, Sherri is Church pianist in Alabama. Tim's daughter Amy is also a gifted pianist and this weekend is visiting her cousin Sherri in Alabama. We are waiting to hear of how their visit went.

Canadian Visitors

We were blessed with the visit of our two nephews from Clifford, Ontario who had gone to Jacksonville, FL to pick up a classic car that they had bought. On their way back to Clifford, they stopped in for a short visit, and we had a great time of reminiscing and mentioning names and places of yesteryear. Of course the visit was too short, but we still enjoyed the time together.

HE IS RISEN,INDEED!

What a wonderful Day this has been. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus arose from the grave, and is seated on the right hand of God, the Father. And just to realize that at any moment. the sky will rent in two, and our Savior will decend to take us to be with Him Eternaly. OH, WHAT A SAVIOR!

We were checking our Grand-daughter-in-law's blog (http://www.homegrownwithlove.blogspot.com/) and were thrilled to read and see the pictures of how Alissa illustrated the Gospel message to our Great-Grandchildren. Thank you, Alissa and Ben for your faithfulness in bringing these children up in the nurture and faith of our Blessed Lord.

Again, may we express our love for our God and our Savior. It is our prayer and desire to live and please Him until He calls us Home.

April Reflects New Life and More!

April 1 (usually known as April's Fool Day) is entirely he opposite today -- the sun is shining and he temperature is 80+ degrees Fahrenheit, and Spring is really coming out.

Not only is Spring showing it's colors, but we have several birthdays to mention this month. First is JEREMY SMITH's birthday on April 4th, JOY LAWRENCE's birhtday on April 11th, MARK LAWRENCE's birthday on April 13th, and ALISSA LAWRENCE's birthday on April 16th. We say to all these people, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU" as you live fo Him.

Time Flies!

This is the end of another month, and we wonder where the time went. However, just around the corner, the clock will stop and there is the reality there will be no more night, and the Glory of our God will radiate eternally. As we woke to the sun shining, and there was the feeling of warmth and joy with the birds singing, there is also the fact that we can not look directly into the sun because it's brightness, but we know it is there -- just so is the fact that our God and His Glory is so prevalent in our midst, one can not deny that we enjoy the Glory and Fellowship we have with Him. There is the understanding that there is healing under His Wings.

Happy Birthday, Janie

God has blessed our family with 4 wonderful Daughters (in-law), and Tim's Wife, Janie, will be celebrating a birthday on March 11th and we wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A Great Weekend

We were blessed with the company of three of our Grandchildren -- Michael came from Toccoa Falls College on Saturday, along with Christy and Amy who came up from Douglas/Broxton, GA and we had a wonderful time of fellowship (short in time however as Michael had to get back to School Saturday evening and Christy and Amy had to return to their home in south Georgia). It was great to reminisce of older times.

My Spiritual Goal

Back during World War II, our Church use to have a Singspiration after the Evening Service; a time of testimonies, and Gospel hymns and choruses. One chorus that has stuck with me over the years is the chorus written by Norman Clayton in the late '30's, "Only to Be What He Wants Me to Be", and the words have been an impact on my life. Many times during my life there have been times of backsliding, but as I near the time when I know that My Lord will either come back for me, or I will meet Him through death's door, these words have become a real challenge for me to live a life that is pleasing to Him that I will hear His "Well Done".

I regularly give Him praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done for me, not that I am worthy of it, but because His love has overwhelmed me. The fellowship I have with Him all through the day, and yes, even into the night when sleep fails me, has proven to be sweet and precious.

A Good Visit!

We were blessed with a visit with our Son, Pete this past week end. Michael was at School; Sherri was at her home in Alabama as was Beth Anne and her husband Rence. Cathy was at home because of her back problem; so Pete came by himself. He spent Saturday afternoon with us, and his brother Andy came with his family for a visit at our house. Then on Sunday, Pete went to Church with Mark and his family and had dinner at a restaurant with Mark and Darlene, Jess and Jeremy and their 2 girls. Pete dropped in at our house after the dinner for a few minutes before heading back to his home in Acworth, GA.

Events in February 2010

We have 2 birthdays in February -- Darlene Lawrence has a birthday February 3. Here is "Nana" with her current 6 Grandchildren (Kyle, Kaleb, Larkyn, Ksena on Nana's knee, Laelyn and Kailey). God has richly blessed our family with these 6 precious Great-Grandchildren. By the way, thee is one moe on the way to be born, the Lord willing, in May of this year.

The 2nd birthday is Andy Lawrence who will celebrate his birthday on the 16th of February.

We are so greatly blessed with our family, and in our "Welcome" we omitted to mention three wonderful "Grand-In-Laws" -- first there is Alissa who married our Grandson, Ben; and then there is Jeremy Smith who married our Granddaughter, Jessica; and thirdly is Rence Cochran who married our Granddaughter, Beth Anne last June (2009).

OUR WELCOME

We welcome you to our new family blog, replacing the homepage we were posting. Now in 2010, we will be posting birthdays and anniversaries of our family that God has blessed us with. Yes, our family is growing, but we rejoice in the blessings that our God has ministered to each one as we see them grow and live for the Lord Jesus. Our hearts rejoice when we hear that our 4 Sons, our wonderful Daughters-in-law, our 11 Grandchildren, and now our 6 beautiful Great-Grandchildren that are being taught the Word of our God.

This month, we have 3 birthdays; Kailey Lawrence's 7th birthday on January 6th; Christy Lawrence's 29th birthday on January 9th; and Ron Lawrence's birthday on January 16th. And for anniversaries, Andy and Rosana Lawrence will celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary on January 16th.