The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This is a popular psalm usually read at funerals. It was read at my dad's funeral and also at my mother-in-law's. And it will be read at my mom's.
Wow. I said it. My mom's funeral. She died this morning, January 11. She went to heaven to be with Jesus and especially with Dad. She missed him. It was much too sudden, though. We really didn't get a chance to tell her goodbye. I did, however, pray with her, and told her to watch for Jesus and to go with him when he came for her, or if Dad came - to go with him and give him a hug for us. We miss him, too. And now - we miss Mom.
I like this verse because it reminds me that God is always with me- through everything. This verse gives me comfort - as I hope it comforts those around me.
Tonight I am praying for my sister Anne and her husband Doug - who were caretakers to Mom since Dad died and even for the five months leading up to his death. They made themselves available to help with dinners, taking care of Abby (their dog), taking them to the Dr's appts, and they even took Mom on some of their vacations. They devoted the last 2 1/2 yrs to caring for Mom (and Dad). They sacrificed many things to help Mom out. And for that - I am especially appreciative toward them. I am keeping their kids in my prayers too: Grant, Emily, Mark, Chris and Jon.
I am praying for my brother Dave and his wife Kathy, and their four kids (Pete, Jim, Liz and Allison).
I am praying for my brother Tim and his wife Martha and their two kids (Matt & Emily).
Each of these families are dear to me - and their children. And I know that each child has a special place in their heart for Grandma Shafer, as they have one for Grandpa, too.
I am also praying for our children: for Amy and Larry (husband) and their four kids (Natalie, Alyssa, Lauren and Noah); for Mike and Cara (wife); for Sarah and Justin (husband); for Alicia and Joel (husband); for Heather; and for Jennifer.
I have seen even the "step"grandchildren had a special relationship with mom. I was so touched by the girls' response after hearing that my mom had passed away. I told Barry "I am so glad that my parents welcomed you and your girls into the family five years ago." and he agreed - it was such a blessing to know that my parents loved them - as if they were there forever.
I am touched by all of the grandchildren and their relationship with my mom (and the one they had with my dad). I have a few memories with my grandparents but they don't seem to come close to what these kids have with theirs. I might think it has to do with proximity - but most of the grandkids live out of state. So, I must say kudos to us - to my brothers and sister and myself - for keeping our children active in our parents' lives - when our children were little but also when they had grown. Because the love these kids have with their grandma is deep and wide- like an ocean. The love is endless. It is awesome.
I am still in disbelief, though - that my mom is gone. I need to cry. I know I will at some point. For now - I will think of her often and reminisce of the special times we had together. Another day I will journal some of those memories for the grandkids. I am so thankful to have been a part of her life.
Mom - I love you so much. Thanks for being there for me- especially when I was younger. I know you were on my side alot - cause you were the youngest of four kids, just like me. I'm sorry for the times I disappointed you and dad. Thanks for forgiving me. Thanks for giving me unconditional love and supporting me when I was a single parent. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for teaching me about flowers or atleast how to weed around them (though I wish you had stopped adding more gardens to your property). I'm sorry I didn't gain your love for sewing or knitting. I can't add cooking, cause I know you didn't like that either. And though this might sound strange - thanks for not showing me how to use makeup or do my nails - you've saved me a lot of money over the years! Thanks for sharing your love of travel with me - I love it too. And I'm slowly learning where all of the dirt roads in Crawford County lead to. Thanks for always pointing out the hawks and eagles on our road trip - I handed that down to my kids too. I could go on and on. You taught me a lot and I really appreciate it. Thanks. I hope to do as well with my own kids and grandkids. I love you. I'll see you again - in heaven.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Proverbs 3:5,6
From Proverbs 3:5,6 reads Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
This is another favorite verse of mine. I've had to refer to it many times over the last few years. God continues to be with us - no matter what we go through.
Three years ago - January 2008 we got the call to go to Rochester, NY to see Barry's mom - Joyce Matties. She was hospitalized (Lung Cancer) and Barry needed to be there. While we were tending to that, my sister Anne called to tell me that our dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live. January was a whirlwind. Joyce passed away on the 21st - about 3am - Barry and I were there with her. (at the hospital). My dad did give us six months to say good-bye. He died on June 9th.
Trust in the Lord. I can do that. God sends others to pray for us. He sends others to comfort us and even feed us. God is just that awesome!
On April 25, 2009 - our house burned down while Barry and I were in Kentucky at a youth convention. Heather was in the house - showering after cleaning out her car. The neighbor across the street saw the smoke - called the house. No answer. Their daughter Katie was home and she saw Heather's car so she called Heather's cell phone. Heather answered to Katie yelling - "Get out of the house. Your house is on fire." We thank God for our neighbors - for saving Heather's life.
Trust in the Lord. I can do that - even with a housefire. We were houseless for 19 months, but never homeless. Our God provided our needs. We just happened to have a house we were trying to sell by owner - so we took down the sign and moved in. Later when we sold it - a sister-in Christ opened her apartment for us for the last six months. God provides.
Now it is time to Trust in the Lord again.
My mom is dying. She has severe emphysema and has been on oxygen 24/7 for about 1 and 1/2 years. She's tired. She sleeps all the time and eats very little. Hospice is now involved, along with others to come into her home and keep her from feeling alone. She's also on meds now - to ease any pain but mainly for keeping her airways open. This will also help her pass on without discomfort - and for that, I am glad. The hospital bed came today - it's only a matter of time. She's anxious to see her Pete (dad) again. They were married for 56 years but first met when they were 14 years old. She longs to be by his side again.
Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. God is in control. We can't do anything on our own - not really. We need Him in our lives. And we can't just wait for him when a trial comes our way - we need Him with us 24/7 - through the good times and the bad times. I am so thankful that He is not only my Lord and Savior - but Lord and Savior for Barry, my husband - and for our children.
Thanks for the prayers for our family. This is really just another bump in the road of life. We will sustain because of our Lord and Savior.
This is another favorite verse of mine. I've had to refer to it many times over the last few years. God continues to be with us - no matter what we go through.
Three years ago - January 2008 we got the call to go to Rochester, NY to see Barry's mom - Joyce Matties. She was hospitalized (Lung Cancer) and Barry needed to be there. While we were tending to that, my sister Anne called to tell me that our dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live. January was a whirlwind. Joyce passed away on the 21st - about 3am - Barry and I were there with her. (at the hospital). My dad did give us six months to say good-bye. He died on June 9th.
Trust in the Lord. I can do that. God sends others to pray for us. He sends others to comfort us and even feed us. God is just that awesome!
On April 25, 2009 - our house burned down while Barry and I were in Kentucky at a youth convention. Heather was in the house - showering after cleaning out her car. The neighbor across the street saw the smoke - called the house. No answer. Their daughter Katie was home and she saw Heather's car so she called Heather's cell phone. Heather answered to Katie yelling - "Get out of the house. Your house is on fire." We thank God for our neighbors - for saving Heather's life.
Trust in the Lord. I can do that - even with a housefire. We were houseless for 19 months, but never homeless. Our God provided our needs. We just happened to have a house we were trying to sell by owner - so we took down the sign and moved in. Later when we sold it - a sister-in Christ opened her apartment for us for the last six months. God provides.
Now it is time to Trust in the Lord again.
My mom is dying. She has severe emphysema and has been on oxygen 24/7 for about 1 and 1/2 years. She's tired. She sleeps all the time and eats very little. Hospice is now involved, along with others to come into her home and keep her from feeling alone. She's also on meds now - to ease any pain but mainly for keeping her airways open. This will also help her pass on without discomfort - and for that, I am glad. The hospital bed came today - it's only a matter of time. She's anxious to see her Pete (dad) again. They were married for 56 years but first met when they were 14 years old. She longs to be by his side again.
Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. God is in control. We can't do anything on our own - not really. We need Him in our lives. And we can't just wait for him when a trial comes our way - we need Him with us 24/7 - through the good times and the bad times. I am so thankful that He is not only my Lord and Savior - but Lord and Savior for Barry, my husband - and for our children.
Thanks for the prayers for our family. This is really just another bump in the road of life. We will sustain because of our Lord and Savior.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Beginning
Philippians 4:13 is my favorite verse. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I have tried to do things on my own but nothing of anything valuable comes from it. I need God for all things.
I have two other blogs available to read. One is called Corbran Family(corbranfamily.blogspot.com) and it was started after our house burned down. It's sort of a history of how our lives were changed from the moment - and it includes pictures of the house fire and then of the rebuilding. Our lives were changed - mostly though - our lives became stronger in Christ. Without Him, we are nothing.
The other blog is called Around Robin Hood's Barn (suecorbran.blogspot.com) and it is a collection of stories from my childhood. The title itself is from my mom and dad. Everytime we got in the car to take a drive -they would say, "we're taking a ride around Robin Hood's barn". It was no where in particular - just around. It was down winding roads - some dirt, some paved. It was anytime during the year - winter, spring, summer or fall. It was just fun. Dad would point out the different birds or other wildlife. I learned about the different kinds of hawks during those rides.
Now this new blog will share whatever I want. Some things might be from children's ministry, while others might be about my beautiful grandchildren who live in Knoxville, TN. I am truly blessed with family.
My husband Barry and I are blessed with six kids. Alicia, Heather and Jennifer are offspring of Barry and Malinda (she died in 2004 from a brain tumor). Amy, Michael and Sarah are offspring of myself and Milt Kochenash (who lives in Georgia - we divorced in 1997).
Here's a brief description of our kids:
Alicia (23) and her husband Joel (25) live in Cambridge Springs, PA - about 3 miles down the road. Alicia works as a CNA and part time as a school janitor. Her husband is a volunteer fireman, EMT and a subcontractor. He's also looking for another line of work.
Heather (almost 21) lives on her own in Meadville, PA and works there as a daycare provider.
Jennifer (15) is a sophomore at Cambridge Springs High School. She's a cheerleader for the wrestling team and is active in the church youth group and teaches in children's ministry.
Amy (27) and Larry (28) live in Knoxville, TN. Larry is the Financial Aid Director at Johnson Bible College. Amy is a stay at home mom taking two classes a semester, homeschooling two kids and teaches at the homeschool co-op. Amy and Larry have four children - Natalie (8), Alyssa (almost 6), Lauren (3 1/2) and Noah (3 months old).
Mike (25) and Cara (26) live in Buffalo, NY. Cara is working on her PhD at the Univ of B while working for the Canadian Consolate. Mike has applied to several school to do his PhD work while working for Citibank. Mike is also an adjunct professor at Malone Univ in Canton, OH for the Spring semester.
Sarah (20) and Justin (23) live in Canton, OH. Justin graduated from Trinity Christian College in Dec. '10 and Sarah plans to graduate from Malone Univ in Canton in Dec '11. Since they just moved, they are both unemployed at this time. (Sarah will be FT at the univ. starting next week).
Barry is a sales consultant for Seaway Windows. He appears to be retired at this time - since business has slowed down tremendously since October. This has given him time to do a few more things around the house. But more importantly, this has given him a chance to relax and enjoy the house and enjoy life. For the past 19 months Barry was working on the house part time while working FT with either his home improvement business or with Seaway Windows. This is a much deserved break for him.
And I am getting geared up for a new season of children's ministry at church. Our Sunday night programming will start up again on the 9th with an ice cream eating contest. Then the following week - we'll jam with some music, work on crafts for area nursing homes and then divide up into the three age groups: 2 yr - K (will do Cubby Bears); 1st & 2nd graders (God's Amazing Animals) and 3rd - 5th grade (Superstart Curriculum). I'll also look for a couple songs for the kids to sing at area nursing homes. We had planned to sing at 2 of them in December but one was quarantined because of the flu and the other we canceled because of the snow (12+ inches).
I'm also helping with a new program in the community called Strengthening Families Program. It is geared for families of 10-14 yr olds. I will be facilitating the youth and family classes. These are mostly games and projects. Our church has been asked to donate the desserts each week - so next week, I'll be making 4 dozen cupcakes!
Well, this blog will be fun. I love to write and tend to go on and on and on. Hopefully, you - the reader, will enjoy the blog, too. I hope so.
Remember - God is with you, always.
Love in Christ, Sue
I have two other blogs available to read. One is called Corbran Family(corbranfamily.blogspot.com) and it was started after our house burned down. It's sort of a history of how our lives were changed from the moment - and it includes pictures of the house fire and then of the rebuilding. Our lives were changed - mostly though - our lives became stronger in Christ. Without Him, we are nothing.
The other blog is called Around Robin Hood's Barn (suecorbran.blogspot.com) and it is a collection of stories from my childhood. The title itself is from my mom and dad. Everytime we got in the car to take a drive -they would say, "we're taking a ride around Robin Hood's barn". It was no where in particular - just around. It was down winding roads - some dirt, some paved. It was anytime during the year - winter, spring, summer or fall. It was just fun. Dad would point out the different birds or other wildlife. I learned about the different kinds of hawks during those rides.
Now this new blog will share whatever I want. Some things might be from children's ministry, while others might be about my beautiful grandchildren who live in Knoxville, TN. I am truly blessed with family.
My husband Barry and I are blessed with six kids. Alicia, Heather and Jennifer are offspring of Barry and Malinda (she died in 2004 from a brain tumor). Amy, Michael and Sarah are offspring of myself and Milt Kochenash (who lives in Georgia - we divorced in 1997).
Here's a brief description of our kids:
Alicia (23) and her husband Joel (25) live in Cambridge Springs, PA - about 3 miles down the road. Alicia works as a CNA and part time as a school janitor. Her husband is a volunteer fireman, EMT and a subcontractor. He's also looking for another line of work.
Heather (almost 21) lives on her own in Meadville, PA and works there as a daycare provider.
Jennifer (15) is a sophomore at Cambridge Springs High School. She's a cheerleader for the wrestling team and is active in the church youth group and teaches in children's ministry.
Amy (27) and Larry (28) live in Knoxville, TN. Larry is the Financial Aid Director at Johnson Bible College. Amy is a stay at home mom taking two classes a semester, homeschooling two kids and teaches at the homeschool co-op. Amy and Larry have four children - Natalie (8), Alyssa (almost 6), Lauren (3 1/2) and Noah (3 months old).
Mike (25) and Cara (26) live in Buffalo, NY. Cara is working on her PhD at the Univ of B while working for the Canadian Consolate. Mike has applied to several school to do his PhD work while working for Citibank. Mike is also an adjunct professor at Malone Univ in Canton, OH for the Spring semester.
Sarah (20) and Justin (23) live in Canton, OH. Justin graduated from Trinity Christian College in Dec. '10 and Sarah plans to graduate from Malone Univ in Canton in Dec '11. Since they just moved, they are both unemployed at this time. (Sarah will be FT at the univ. starting next week).
Barry is a sales consultant for Seaway Windows. He appears to be retired at this time - since business has slowed down tremendously since October. This has given him time to do a few more things around the house. But more importantly, this has given him a chance to relax and enjoy the house and enjoy life. For the past 19 months Barry was working on the house part time while working FT with either his home improvement business or with Seaway Windows. This is a much deserved break for him.
And I am getting geared up for a new season of children's ministry at church. Our Sunday night programming will start up again on the 9th with an ice cream eating contest. Then the following week - we'll jam with some music, work on crafts for area nursing homes and then divide up into the three age groups: 2 yr - K (will do Cubby Bears); 1st & 2nd graders (God's Amazing Animals) and 3rd - 5th grade (Superstart Curriculum). I'll also look for a couple songs for the kids to sing at area nursing homes. We had planned to sing at 2 of them in December but one was quarantined because of the flu and the other we canceled because of the snow (12+ inches).
I'm also helping with a new program in the community called Strengthening Families Program. It is geared for families of 10-14 yr olds. I will be facilitating the youth and family classes. These are mostly games and projects. Our church has been asked to donate the desserts each week - so next week, I'll be making 4 dozen cupcakes!
Well, this blog will be fun. I love to write and tend to go on and on and on. Hopefully, you - the reader, will enjoy the blog, too. I hope so.
Remember - God is with you, always.
Love in Christ, Sue
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