A New Era

A New Era

Inspired by opening renovated auditorium at Alameda Church of Christ, 9/30/18

Today at Alameda, our congregation opened a new era.

We worshiped the first time in our newly renovated auditorium.

Our excitement is growing due to the newness of the building,

But more for the newness of the vision of the shepherds.

It is a new era in the life of this body of Christ.

A new era of committing to carrying out the great commission

Of reaching out to the community where our building abides

To create a dynamic church making a difference in our city.

My own life is in a new era now as a widow.

It is not with the same excitement I start this era.

There are many unknowns in the era of  a widow's life.

As I must travel without the companionship of a husband.

Now I travel alone through the tasks of life.

My house and heart are empty of my husband.

He is no longer blessing me with hugs, kisses, and song.

My heart is heavy with the grief I feel.

But the new era also has a renewed purpose.

God not only held me up though my caregiving,

He continues to hold me up each and every day.

I do not feel alone because He holds me close.

When the waters of baptism wash over you erasing sin,

A new era begins for the fully forgiven Christian.

The new life takes away the guilt of all past sin

And gives grace to cover the future life to come.

The new Christian is not walking that life alone.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to indwell.

Providing strength, wisdom, guidance and fortitude.

Never alone but filled with the presence of God.

Embrace the new era of being a Christian today,

Whether you are brand new or saved many years past.

God’s mercies are new every day giving a new beginning

Each day is a new era of your life living in God's mercy.

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I have been in this new era 9 months today. Jerry died December 30. I still think I will come home to find him here and often wake up in the morning wondering where he is. Fifty years of marriage was a long time to now be single again.

Last night, I went with Lynn and Kelly Ann to see Music Man. We have always loved musicals and it was a wonderful opportunity to just get out with family. It was a great production, but also full of difficult moments in my grieving. The last time I was in that auditorium at Oklahoma City Community College, Jerry was with me sitting in the row immediately behind the row where I currently sat in a wheelchair. That was a painful memory to be alone now. Of course, one of the most famous songs from Music Man is 76 Trombones. Jerry turned 76 almost 5 months after his stroke. He could not remember his age so every time he couldn't remember, I would hum that song to get him to remember 76. Then, of course, there were the love songs--tough to sit through without tears!

But it was a lovely evening and so glad I was able to attend with these lovely ladies.

Here is a quote from a recent devotional: "I would rather walk with God in the dark than to go alone in the light." Mary Gardiner Brainard, Not Knowing

This quote tied in well with a scripture I used in the class I teach on Sunday mornings. We are studying women in the Bible and today's lesson was about Deborah. Judges 4:14b says, "Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?" Wow, the times He has gone before me in my life cannot even be numbered. Just on my trip, God put people in my life everywhere I went for me to minister to with my new experiences. He continues to do the same and will also for you. What a comforting thought to know God is ahead of us preparing the way for our arrival. He is not always taking the difficulties out of our path but giving us what we need to get around them! Wow, what a thought!

Today I am thankful for:

1. Worshiping in our newly remodeled auditorium.
2. Teaching ladies class at church studying women.
3. Seeing my grandson, David baptized this morning! Praise God. He began a new era in his life.
4. A wonderful Sunday afternoon nap.
5. Tim teaching a great lesson this evening on David and Goliath.
6. Attending an area-wide worship tonight at Oklahoma Christian with great singing.
7. God giving me words to write.
8. My daughters, Lynn and Kelly Ann (adopted) to attend the musical with last night.
9. New friends being developed at my new church.
10. God going ahead of me to prepare the way.

A prayer request: Lynn has had some voice difficulties ever since school started. She is now continuing to suffer with that as well as a massive sinus headache. Pray for healing.