Grace Moment By Moment-weekly column
"The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much"
(James 5:16 NKJV).
"Where Were You When the Olympic Park Bombing Occured?"
The question from my friend startled me. When I agreed to do the interview I had no idea what to expect. I knew she wanted to ask me some questions about my time in South Carolina. Well, that certainly took place then. We were sitting in my house, sipping tea when the subject came up. Reflecting on that event, I smiled. It was one of my favorite memories of Mom. The day I learned how important taking time to pray could be. . .
I remember it as a warm summer day in Sumter, South Carolina. Sunny golden light danced across the carpeted living room and onto the kitchen table as we prepared to start the day. At 7:45 a.m. I checked Mom's blood sugar-140. So I prepared an insulin syringe and gave her, her morning shot while the griddle warmed. A few minutes later, I served our breakfast of hot blueberry pancakes and sizzling sausage with orange juice and coffee. By 8:30 we had eaten and I had washed the breakfast dishes.
As I put the dishes away I asked Mom, "What do you want to do today?"
I knew what the answer would be. It's what we did every Saturday.
"Let's start with baking cinnnamon rolls,then maybe, some chocolate chip cookies or pies later." Mom replied her eyes lit with a smile, "You know how Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary love them."
Yeah, I know." I laughed. "It seems we can't keep them around long enough to satisfy their sweet tooth."
"Or mine." Mom added with a laugh.
As I began setting out the pans and utensils, I reflected on our routine. Every Saturday morning, as we listened to the Christian radio serial programs, Mom and I baked sugar free baked goods. I did most of the physical work since Mom had suffered a stroke a few years before. But it in no way diminished her joy of baking or the time we shared together. As I set the final ingredient on the table, Mom's mood changed.
"Honey, we need to keep praying. That ominous sense of trouble I mentioned a few weeks ago is stronger than ever today. I don't know what it means. . . I hope nothing bad is going to happen but we just need to keep praying."
"Okay, Mom." I had felt the same troubling sense of unease for a couple of weeks now. I knew from Mom's teaching, and from my own experience, never argue with God when He impresses a need for His people to pray.
About an hour later, we were halfway through the second batch of cinnamon rolls, with the first one in the oven baking. Suddenly I had to go to the bathroom.
"Mom I'll be right back." I yelled as I ran down the hallway. The hall clock read 9:00 a.m. Mom's favorite radio program Ranger Bill was on. In the bathroom the words, "Prayer is the essence of our walk with Jesus. It is the pipeline through which He hears us." floated through my mind. Outside the thermometer read 92 degrees and even though I wore a tank top and shorts, I shivered.
Suddenly I heard Mom scream, "AH-H-H No! No!"
Startled, I ran from the bathroom, calling, "Mom? Mom, what is wrong?"
No answer came except . . . sobbing.
When I reached the kitchen Mom clutched her chest, her face the color of chalk. "Mom, Mom what is it? Are you having chest pains?" I asked as I crouched next to her.
Shaking, she hoarsely voiced, "No-o, the . . . the radio."
Nothing about this made sense because when I turned towards the radio I could hear Ranger Bill still on. Just then the morning radio host broke in to make an announcement.
"Folks, it has just been confirmed, A bombing occurred at the Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia during the wee hours this morning. There are unconfirmed reports as to the number of fatalities and injuries. The investigation is still ongoing. We will continue to break in with details as needed. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming."
Shocked, I collapsed into a nearby chair. Moments passed as Mom calmed herself. Then her eyes locked with mine. I reached for her and she clasped my hand as we bowed our heads in prayer. The smell of warm, buttery cinnamon wafted from the oven and lingered in the air around us. Foremost in our minds were the thoughts of the families and victims in Atlanta. I'll never forget the words we prayed in unison.
"Lord, we come to you with heavy hearts today. People are suffering in Atlanta and elsewhere. Please, Father. Let Your Will be done, not ours, but Yours. Comfort and sustain those who are hurting right now. Thank you that You can always call on us to pray, in Jesus' name, Amen."
As I took a sip of tea, my friend said, "Wow! That is sure some story."
I smiled, then replied, "Yeah, it is. Today, we face similar situations all over the world, and it is more important than ever that people always, always take time to pray."
About Me
- Belle Anne Leslie
- I love to write poetry, fiction, non-fiction and feature articles!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Grace That Sustains
Moment By Moment-weekly column
Overcoming Obstacles-Never Give Up!
I was nearing twenty when my world tumbled to the ground. One morning Mom and I walked to town, as we came to the main street, Mom said, "Honey, come on. We have to hurry to get across."
I remember thinking as we moved into the street, What's going on? My legs are tingling. Looking up I saw a semi trailer bearing down on us. The driver's eyes locked with mine and I thought I would faint. I managed to pick up my pace. We walked halfway across when my legs went numb, and I hit the pavement.
Mom's face reflected my own horror and fear. Then she grabbed me under the shoulders, and muttered, "God give me strength." Mom hauled me to the other side of the street. We both collapsed as the semi roared by.
Mom went into the grocery store next door and called for help. We waited only fifteen minutes for a ride but it seemed endless. My mind raced with questions. Why can't I feel my hand touching my thigh? Why can't I stand or walk? Why am I so sick?
At the doctor's office I underwent extensive testing. Dr. Rafe told us what wasn't wrong. "Belle, you don't have cancer, polio, or a tumor."
"Should I celebrate?" I wassn't sure.
Dr. Rafe replied, "No. I wouldn't. What you do have is Multiple Scleriosis."
Mom voiced my thoughts when she asked, "What do we do now?"
Dr. Rafe soberly replied, "There is nothing you can do. Go home and prepare to die."
"What?" Shaken to the core, I stammered. "There has to be something we can do. Is there someone we can contact for more information?"
Dr. Rafe answered, "Not in Indiana. I have asked all my colleagues here and no one knows anything. Keep track of your symptoms and rest. That is the best prescription I can give you."
During the next couple of months, I stumbled and fell when I tried to walk on my own so I used a walker for stability. The lesions developing in my brain caused severe headaches, blurred vision, and tingling in my limbs, followed by numbness. As time went by my health worsened and I became homebound. I felt depressed and discouraged, and it was a struggle to get out of bed, much less make it to the bathroom in time.
I raged at God. Even though friends and family come to visit, where are You in all of this?
But Mom never doubted God or what He would accomplish in my life. Instead, she encouraged me to "Write whatever comes to mind, but never, never give up!"
Privately, I railed at God. Why is this happening to me? All my life I've battled health problems. Now MS. Haven't I suffered enough?
One night, almost a year after my diagnosis, I lay in bed reading and praying. Even though it seemed as if my prayers bounced off the ceiling, I wouldn't give up. I ache with emptiness and a thirst for a closer relationship with You. Do You hear me at all?
Mom lay asleep in the next bedroom. I took a deep breath. The fragrance of lavender, like the sachets Grandma used to tuck in Mom's linen drawer, brought a smile to my face as it permeated the room. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I knew God's presence was in the room with me.
As stones drop in a wishing well so these words from Philippians 4:13 and Zechariah 4:6 echoed in my mind, "My child, in My strength you can do all things. Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit."
I cried.
When I opened my eyes the next morning, I knew I was made of sterner stuff. I no longer wallowed in self-pity. From home, I started a prayer newsletter for the shut-ins of the church Mom and I attended. I also started compiling books of poems, stories and letters for my nieces.
Now as I sit at the computer typing, I smile. The fatigue I battle is a breath away, but the Grace God gives me sustains me moment by moment.
Planned for God's Pleasure: Worship
Prayer is an important part of the Person I choose to be,
it is a conscious choice of worship that sets My Spirit free.
I ask myself the question daily, 'What would Jesus do?'
than try to live my life, as an example, before you.
Finding hope where there is none,
means reaching upwards to Jesus, God's Son.
His nail-scarred hands clasp hungrily to mine
while He says, "Cling to me for I Am the true living Vine."
So, for every prayer of a person's name that enters my mind,
you will find,
my greatest treasure
is, knowing you were created for God's Pleasure.
Written By:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
March 14, 2006
Overcoming Obstacles-Never Give Up!
I was nearing twenty when my world tumbled to the ground. One morning Mom and I walked to town, as we came to the main street, Mom said, "Honey, come on. We have to hurry to get across."
I remember thinking as we moved into the street, What's going on? My legs are tingling. Looking up I saw a semi trailer bearing down on us. The driver's eyes locked with mine and I thought I would faint. I managed to pick up my pace. We walked halfway across when my legs went numb, and I hit the pavement.
Mom's face reflected my own horror and fear. Then she grabbed me under the shoulders, and muttered, "God give me strength." Mom hauled me to the other side of the street. We both collapsed as the semi roared by.
Mom went into the grocery store next door and called for help. We waited only fifteen minutes for a ride but it seemed endless. My mind raced with questions. Why can't I feel my hand touching my thigh? Why can't I stand or walk? Why am I so sick?
At the doctor's office I underwent extensive testing. Dr. Rafe told us what wasn't wrong. "Belle, you don't have cancer, polio, or a tumor."
"Should I celebrate?" I wassn't sure.
Dr. Rafe replied, "No. I wouldn't. What you do have is Multiple Scleriosis."
Mom voiced my thoughts when she asked, "What do we do now?"
Dr. Rafe soberly replied, "There is nothing you can do. Go home and prepare to die."
"What?" Shaken to the core, I stammered. "There has to be something we can do. Is there someone we can contact for more information?"
Dr. Rafe answered, "Not in Indiana. I have asked all my colleagues here and no one knows anything. Keep track of your symptoms and rest. That is the best prescription I can give you."
During the next couple of months, I stumbled and fell when I tried to walk on my own so I used a walker for stability. The lesions developing in my brain caused severe headaches, blurred vision, and tingling in my limbs, followed by numbness. As time went by my health worsened and I became homebound. I felt depressed and discouraged, and it was a struggle to get out of bed, much less make it to the bathroom in time.
I raged at God. Even though friends and family come to visit, where are You in all of this?
But Mom never doubted God or what He would accomplish in my life. Instead, she encouraged me to "Write whatever comes to mind, but never, never give up!"
Privately, I railed at God. Why is this happening to me? All my life I've battled health problems. Now MS. Haven't I suffered enough?
One night, almost a year after my diagnosis, I lay in bed reading and praying. Even though it seemed as if my prayers bounced off the ceiling, I wouldn't give up. I ache with emptiness and a thirst for a closer relationship with You. Do You hear me at all?
Mom lay asleep in the next bedroom. I took a deep breath. The fragrance of lavender, like the sachets Grandma used to tuck in Mom's linen drawer, brought a smile to my face as it permeated the room. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I knew God's presence was in the room with me.
As stones drop in a wishing well so these words from Philippians 4:13 and Zechariah 4:6 echoed in my mind, "My child, in My strength you can do all things. Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit."
I cried.
When I opened my eyes the next morning, I knew I was made of sterner stuff. I no longer wallowed in self-pity. From home, I started a prayer newsletter for the shut-ins of the church Mom and I attended. I also started compiling books of poems, stories and letters for my nieces.
Now as I sit at the computer typing, I smile. The fatigue I battle is a breath away, but the Grace God gives me sustains me moment by moment.
Planned for God's Pleasure: Worship
Prayer is an important part of the Person I choose to be,
it is a conscious choice of worship that sets My Spirit free.
I ask myself the question daily, 'What would Jesus do?'
than try to live my life, as an example, before you.
Finding hope where there is none,
means reaching upwards to Jesus, God's Son.
His nail-scarred hands clasp hungrily to mine
while He says, "Cling to me for I Am the true living Vine."
So, for every prayer of a person's name that enters my mind,
you will find,
my greatest treasure
is, knowing you were created for God's Pleasure.
Written By:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
March 14, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
An Invitation to Worship
Grace Moment By Moment-weekly column
Psalm 118:24,
"This is the day which the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (NKJV Thomas Nelson, Inc 1984).
I rush to Praise Team Practice at church. My mind races with all the details of schoolwork I have yet to do. When I walk in, though, I stop and stare. People are praying and the air resonates as if an electricity charge permeates the sanctuary. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. At once, I feel I am an intruder treading on sacred ground.
I close my eyes and imagine I am transported to an ancient monastery where monks chant in a cadence as old as time. The air is redolent of frankincense, balsam and ginger . The spices mingle with the drip, drip of beeswax candles on crackling parchment paper.
In the mist of all this the awe of God's Presence fills the sanctuary with the fragrance of roses and lavender. Suddenly I am no longer an intruder but welcome as a friend. Calm infuses my being cleansing me of all doubt and fear. Time resumes as I open my eyes and step into the modernday shoes of a Praise Team member who, like the monks of ancient times, lift my voice in songs of praise. I am thankful to be here, now, so others can hear of God's loving Grace.
Profiling Ministries of Grace
Heart to Heart: An Interview with Marilyn Waughmans
In the Mishawaka/South Bend Indiana area you will find many individuals who are dedicated to serving low-income households. However, there is one who I've come to know as a good friend. Her name is Marilyn Waughmans and I'd like to share with you what I know about her.
About Marilyn Waughmans
Marilyn is a caring, compassionate, humble woman who selflessly gives of her time to help those in need. She is uncomfortable when praise is offered for what she does because she would rather have the attention focused on the people she serves.
People like your mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent who found themselves without the means to pay for both medicine and food. Instead they come to Marilyn and most times, she can help with one or the other. Sometimes both.
I had the privilege of interviewing her this week.
Here are some of the questions I asked her and her responses.
About Stone Soup Community
Q. What inspired you to become involved with Stone Soup Community?
A. I had been working in another agency that served the low-income population when the executive director was fired and everyone else walked out. There were thirty plus volunteers with no place to work. Stone Soup Community was born from that.
Q. How did you get involved in social and civic matters?
A. I believe strongly that a human right is a terrible thing to waste. For that reason I enjoy doing things to make peoples' lives better.
Q. What are the needs of the community?
A. There are myriad needs in the community. Hunger, homelessness and people who have no clue where to go for help. Lack of transportation. Being able to find suitable work for a living wage.
Q. Describe for me what happens when a client comes to visit?
A. First, we assess what the crises needs are. Beyond that we address the issues that cause the crises. Either by ourselves or in collaboration with another agency, we resolve the crises of the moment and resolve the issues that precipitated it.
Q. What is one of your most rewarding experiences?
A. Recently, two young men lacking transportation and looking for jobs came in requesting bus passes. They received bus tokens equal to three round trips, and some decent clothes they found in our free clothes closet. Afterwards they went job hunting. They returned, demonstrated they had found work and then received bus passes.
Q. What frustrates you the most?
A. The thing that frustrates me the most, is when a client refuses to cooperate to help themselves. Like, when we send them for an appointment for say, budget counseling, and they don't keep the appointment.
Q. Which direction do you see Stone Soup Community going in the future?
A. We are in the process of learning ourselves, and training counselors to solve issues in addition to, bandage patching them. For example, encouraging collaboration between other helping agencies, and using common data with permission of clients in order to serve them better.
Advice For The Community
Q. What are some ways the people in the local community can get involved in Stone Soup Community?
A. Volunteer, give money and pray for us.
If you would like to help or have a desire to start a similar ministry of Grace, please feel free to use the following:
Contact Information:
Stone Soup Community
Marilyn Waughmans
South Bend Office:
574-968-5204
Mishawaka Office:
574-250-1922
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Psalm 118:24,
"This is the day which the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (NKJV Thomas Nelson, Inc 1984).
I rush to Praise Team Practice at church. My mind races with all the details of schoolwork I have yet to do. When I walk in, though, I stop and stare. People are praying and the air resonates as if an electricity charge permeates the sanctuary. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. At once, I feel I am an intruder treading on sacred ground.
I close my eyes and imagine I am transported to an ancient monastery where monks chant in a cadence as old as time. The air is redolent of frankincense, balsam and ginger . The spices mingle with the drip, drip of beeswax candles on crackling parchment paper.
In the mist of all this the awe of God's Presence fills the sanctuary with the fragrance of roses and lavender. Suddenly I am no longer an intruder but welcome as a friend. Calm infuses my being cleansing me of all doubt and fear. Time resumes as I open my eyes and step into the modernday shoes of a Praise Team member who, like the monks of ancient times, lift my voice in songs of praise. I am thankful to be here, now, so others can hear of God's loving Grace.
Profiling Ministries of Grace
Heart to Heart: An Interview with Marilyn Waughmans
In the Mishawaka/South Bend Indiana area you will find many individuals who are dedicated to serving low-income households. However, there is one who I've come to know as a good friend. Her name is Marilyn Waughmans and I'd like to share with you what I know about her.
About Marilyn Waughmans
Marilyn is a caring, compassionate, humble woman who selflessly gives of her time to help those in need. She is uncomfortable when praise is offered for what she does because she would rather have the attention focused on the people she serves.
People like your mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent who found themselves without the means to pay for both medicine and food. Instead they come to Marilyn and most times, she can help with one or the other. Sometimes both.
I had the privilege of interviewing her this week.
Here are some of the questions I asked her and her responses.
About Stone Soup Community
Q. What inspired you to become involved with Stone Soup Community?
A. I had been working in another agency that served the low-income population when the executive director was fired and everyone else walked out. There were thirty plus volunteers with no place to work. Stone Soup Community was born from that.
Q. How did you get involved in social and civic matters?
A. I believe strongly that a human right is a terrible thing to waste. For that reason I enjoy doing things to make peoples' lives better.
Q. What are the needs of the community?
A. There are myriad needs in the community. Hunger, homelessness and people who have no clue where to go for help. Lack of transportation. Being able to find suitable work for a living wage.
Q. Describe for me what happens when a client comes to visit?
A. First, we assess what the crises needs are. Beyond that we address the issues that cause the crises. Either by ourselves or in collaboration with another agency, we resolve the crises of the moment and resolve the issues that precipitated it.
Q. What is one of your most rewarding experiences?
A. Recently, two young men lacking transportation and looking for jobs came in requesting bus passes. They received bus tokens equal to three round trips, and some decent clothes they found in our free clothes closet. Afterwards they went job hunting. They returned, demonstrated they had found work and then received bus passes.
Q. What frustrates you the most?
A. The thing that frustrates me the most, is when a client refuses to cooperate to help themselves. Like, when we send them for an appointment for say, budget counseling, and they don't keep the appointment.
Q. Which direction do you see Stone Soup Community going in the future?
A. We are in the process of learning ourselves, and training counselors to solve issues in addition to, bandage patching them. For example, encouraging collaboration between other helping agencies, and using common data with permission of clients in order to serve them better.
Advice For The Community
Q. What are some ways the people in the local community can get involved in Stone Soup Community?
A. Volunteer, give money and pray for us.
If you would like to help or have a desire to start a similar ministry of Grace, please feel free to use the following:
Contact Information:
Stone Soup Community
Marilyn Waughmans
South Bend Office:
574-968-5204
Mishawaka Office:
574-250-1922
Silence
The stillness of time as you wait in the car during rush hour traffic,
the space between musical notes,
the calm before a storm,
the eerie quiet of a snowbound forest,
In all of these one hears the voice of God.
So wherever one travels across life's sod
One is comforted by the essence,
Of His Presence.
Written on:
April 25, 1994.Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
A Fistful of Grace
Hello!
Welcome to my website. I'm Belle Anne Leslie and I'm a freelance writer. Sarting now I'll be posting a column entitled "Grace Moment By Moment." This column will feature ancedotes, poems and Scripture verses to encourage my readers. Another regular feature will be excerpts of my works in progress; fiction and nonfiction books.
Today's column focus is:
"How much Grace do we really need?"
Grace is God's gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it or to buy it. It is simply a gift we either accept or reject.
Think of it like this: If somebody gives you a shiny red present with a big bow and it wasn't your birthday or an anniversary gift, would you accept it or refuse it?
Too many times we panic because we don't get what we think we need when we need it. But if we are honest with ourselves, it's what we want instead of what we need. God's Grace is like that. We keep asking for more of it but, instead of a fistful or cup God gives us a teaspoon. Much to our surprise, it is more than enough.
Today I had my rugs cleaned professionally. God surprised me when an anonymous donor gave me the money through a friend at church. The only stipulation was I had to use it to clean my carpets. The Lord knew how sick I have been, and while I didn't pray for this gift specifically God answered it all the same.
God's grace is a miraculous thing. It brightens everyone's day when someone shares a blessing they receive. So please share the blessings God gives you with someone else. In this poem there's an idea of how you can do that.
Welcome to my website. I'm Belle Anne Leslie and I'm a freelance writer. Sarting now I'll be posting a column entitled "Grace Moment By Moment." This column will feature ancedotes, poems and Scripture verses to encourage my readers. Another regular feature will be excerpts of my works in progress; fiction and nonfiction books.
Today's column focus is:
"How much Grace do we really need?"
Grace is God's gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it or to buy it. It is simply a gift we either accept or reject.
Think of it like this: If somebody gives you a shiny red present with a big bow and it wasn't your birthday or an anniversary gift, would you accept it or refuse it?
Too many times we panic because we don't get what we think we need when we need it. But if we are honest with ourselves, it's what we want instead of what we need. God's Grace is like that. We keep asking for more of it but, instead of a fistful or cup God gives us a teaspoon. Much to our surprise, it is more than enough.
Today I had my rugs cleaned professionally. God surprised me when an anonymous donor gave me the money through a friend at church. The only stipulation was I had to use it to clean my carpets. The Lord knew how sick I have been, and while I didn't pray for this gift specifically God answered it all the same.
God's grace is a miraculous thing. It brightens everyone's day when someone shares a blessing they receive. So please share the blessings God gives you with someone else. In this poem there's an idea of how you can do that.
Thornless Grace
When a friend calls to say hello
and I hear his/her voice,
I know God is with me.
When a butterfly on the air flits
hovering around my face, my spirit lifts
and I know God is with me.
On a gray cold day, when the sun plays peek-a-boo
betwixt a cloud or two
I know God is with me.
As the cool crisp bite of a winter's morn,
drives the birds to search for corn
scattered on the ground, I know God is with me.
As the heavenly scents of of warm ginger, lingering rosemary and sharp cheddar
bubble from the oven, I am reminded of mom and dad who are both gone
and I know God is with me.
I know there is no such thing as "thorn less grace"
for without the thorns one often forgets to seek God's Face.
"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness'
So when life grows frail and you become weak and worn
remember, I AM is with you."
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
January 10, 2006
Scripture Reference:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
All Scripture Quotations are from (NKJV Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1984.)
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