Lisa Tait Obituary
Lisa Tait With her two-day-old granddaughter touching her heart and surrounded by her children and husband, Lisa took her last breath shortly after 6 pm on October 21st, 2020. Born in Miami, the Tait family moved to Tallahassee when she was 3 years old. After leaving Godby High School, she earned a degree from UNC Charlotte. A chance meeting in 1989 led to her marriage in 1990, the birth of her two children, and what she referred to as the most amazing and fulfilling 32 years anyone could ever ask for. Lisa had a smile that would melt her husband’s heart and a sense of humor that could reduce him to tears. She was warm, friendly, loving and turned strangers into friends wherever she went. While she cherished the relationships she had with her many friends and family members, nothing in her life could compare to the love she had for her children. From the day they were born, her first priority was their well-being and happiness. She loved them unconditionally, she would talk about them to anyone who would listen, and she would defend them fiercely if anyone made the mistake of speaking ill of them in her presence. Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Stan, her brother, Larry, and her sister, Linda. Lisa is survived by her loving husband and BFF, David Vincent, her son, Michael, and his wife, Cecilia, with her first granddaughter, Ava Claire (with whom she shares a middle name), and her daughter, Sydney, (aka Squiddly June) She is also survived by her mother, Marilyn, her brother, David (Beth), her uncle, Nick Harrold (Debbie), a host of friends, and an army of aunts, uncles, and cousins. While Lisa may have ultimately lost her two-year battle with ALS, this cruel disease failed miserably in its attempt to take her happiness, dignity, and spirit. She remained upbeat and positive until the very end and, along with her husband, considered herself to be one of the luckiest and most blessed people to ever walk the earth.
Lise and Unk
So it is, I called her Lise, she called me Unk… no reason in particular, we just chose to do so… an endearing manner of hailing each other, “Hey Lise!”, “Hey Unk!”. Well, there you have it.
I will recollect two of my last meetings with Lisa, prior to her displaying the debilitating effects of her disease.
I was in the practice of spending a month with Lisa’s Mom, my sister, Marilyn. My wife and I, knowing we would ultimately be caring for my sister, were considering the possibility of moving in with her to do so. The first serious conversation I had with Lise was at the bar at MoMo’s. Lisa’s words to me were, “So, you and mom had an argument.”
“No, not an argument, per se… more like, she was angry with me and chose to yell… no argument though,” I replied.
“Well, if you do move in with mom, you can always move out if it doesn’t work out.”
“Hmm, Lise, this isn’t a ‘trial move’ we are making. I must know, for sure, if this is what we are supposed to do. There’s no ‘trial’ to it. I kind of see Deb and me as caring for ‘Stanley’s wife.’ I see him looking down on me and either approving or disapproving of what I am doing.”
“So, how’s it going so far?”, Lisa queried.
“So far, so good,” was my reply.
We had another meeting some months later, still prior to the onslaught of LDS. This time we met up at Growler Country, a craft brewery in Tallahassee.
Sitting outside, we had further discussions pertaining to Marilyn. It was of the usual sort, “How are things progressing for you and Deb to move from Germany?” “Are you looking into buying a house, or are you still considering living with mom?” These kinds of things.
Then the conversation took a turn. Somehow, Jesus came into it all. That might have happened because I told Lise, “Debbie and I are praying about all of this.”
“So, Lise, tell me about Jesus.”
“Nick” (shifting from ‘Unk’ to ‘Nick’ is indicative of a serious and defensive stance), I believe in ‘reincarnation’.
“Hmm, Lise, do you mean you plan on coming back as a dog or something?”
“No, not as a dog. Hey, early Christians also believed in reincarnation.”
I didn’t address that statement, but about that time a very large (fat) woman came walking through the parking lot behind me – I could see her reflection in the plate glass windows in front of me. Lisa was facing the parking lot, and the woman.
I took advantage of the situation, “So, Lise, are you of a mind you may come back as that woman behind me?” Now, it should be noted here that Lisa had always been a very petite gal. Nothing could be more out of character for her than to think she might ever be “fat.” I think Lise would rather be a dog than fat!
Thus our conversations went, in general. Lisa was highly conservative, and greatly “pro-Trump.” While we didn’t have common ground in the “spirit realm”, we did in politics. So, if the conversational waters began to get choppy, I always knew where to steer us into a safe haven. So it was, until Lou Gehrig’s Disease began to take its toll.
Comes now, the great awakening… it might be compared to a gentle sunrise… ever brighter, till the full break of dawn!
Letters / Notes / Observations
Note: The reader will recognize my frequent use of Daniel’s prayer in the book of Daniel, chapter nine. I used it often then… I use it often now: “O Lord see! O Lord hear and forgive! O Lord act quickly, for your people bear your name.”
July 2020
Hi Lise,
I think this time between us will be something of a “journey.” I’m not quite sure what course it will take, and, you will be familiar with much of it, I suppose. I want you to see my heart. I know of what I speak, and I want you to see that.
Mom and Dad knew of what I’ll tell you… we discovered it together, them, late in life; me, early. But, we walked into it together and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what I will tell you. The necessary thing for you to understand is God didn’t leave it to us to simply guess our way into heaven. He did just as we know to do, he wrote it down. It’s not unthinkable that he would choose written form to communicate the hope that I now share with you. It wasn’t “my idea.” And all I know and all I am is encapsulated in the word(s) he gave us. I know what I am telling you is true. And, by virtue of the fact you saw it lived out in Mom, and maybe to some degree in Dad, though he died much into your youth, I hope you will believe that we did not follow some clever fairy tale. It is real, and the God I am about to tell you of is alive, and, believe it or not, standing right behind you. You don’t know that, because your eyes and senses cannot perceive it or him. Yet it is so. It is so every day of my life. I get up in the morning and speak to him of you. He speaks to me, in his various ways. Today, unmistakably, he gave me some things I might say to you. So it is.
I’m going to try and stick a picture in here; one I sent to David (Tait) not so long ago. I asked Dave if he remembered it. He said, “I remember.” That’s all he said, but it is enough. He knows.
Let’s see if I am savvy enough, technically, to get it in here…
Well, a little bigger than I would have wished, but at least it is readable. This is a page of my old Bible. I got it in the fourth grade, Easter, from my Mother, Dorothy J. Harrold. I remember the day she gave it to me. She was so proud to do so, and it seemed quite an exquisite gift. I carried this Bible with me to Liberty Bible College, in the Fall of 1972. It seemed a “joke” to my more scholarly friends there, colour pictures and all that. Plus, it was quite a bit smaller than the Bibles they all had, “for college studies.” I soon bought a larger, more studious Bible, which I used throughout my years at Liberty. I did not, however, ever let go of this Bible. I still haven’t, as you see. It holds for me the very moment in time in which my Mother handed it to me. It was there. It saw me as a fourth grader, opening it for the first time. And now to the page you see above: There came an evening, at the camp outside of Melbourne, Florida, where David and Larry and I were in our “bunk room,” knowing we were to leave and go home the next day. I felt moved to write the words you see there, and to have David and Larry and myself sign each of our names. Those are Larry’s own printed letters of his name. Dave’s as well. These are dear to me Lise. I will not let go of this for all of my life.
So, Dave acknowledges this page, but, he has stepped back from the Christ we both met. He stepped forward, again, on October 25th, 2000. You may wonder how I know this? The 2nd Bible, the one I used at Liberty, I wrote these words in the back – same as with the little Bible. Some things are worth recording:
“(1:30PM, E.S.T.)
God be praised!
Today, David asked Jesus into his life – it strikes me that though not much may get through from earth to heaven – news of this reached
Larry!
~ ‘There is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…'”
And, there is this, recorded on the same page:
“October 18, 2000
07:07 AM – Central German Time
Yesterday, Larry made that great passage we all must face. He is with Jesus now.
I loved you as a brother – You thought more of me than I deserve. So long ‘Uncle Ware’ – I will see you there – My dear friend.
Love,
Nick”
Note: It should be mentioned here, on a previous visit to Tallahassee I went into Lisa’s office and asked her, “Lise, would you like for Jesus to heal you?”
Lisa stood still for a moment, her eyes seemingly fixed on the wall, then, looking at me replied, “Yes.”
That response led to my putting my hand on her head and coming to Jesus, into His presence, for Lisa’s healing.
It needs clarifying, very early that morning while in prayer and Bible reading, I felt most certainly that this “moment” with Lisa was my “assignment” for the day.
Prior to this, Lisa was resistant toward God, prayer, and the things of the Holy Spirit in general. Lise was now in the category spoken of by Isaiah (chapter 42), “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”
Aha… “Danke’ Gott!” A spark; a glimmer; a turning. Amen!
G’mornin Lise!On Aug 28, 2020, at 5:57 AM
Today, my friend in Lithuania, Valdas Kuzulis, sent me some words from a man named Augustine, who lived around 400 AD:
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord and our heart is restless until it rests in thee.”
May it always be so for me, and for you, dear one.
That’s why my hand on your head. That’s why the Holy Spirit, Who wishes to fill you. Thank you for allowing me to be that vessel at this time in your and my life. Rest assured, I shall never forget these moments with you.
Love,
Nick
- From: Lisa Tait
Date: August 28, 2020 at 12:06:46 PM EDT
To: Nelson Harrold
I’ll not forget these moments with you!
From: Nelson Harrold <herrnharrold@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2020 7:41 AM
To: Lisa Tait
Subject: Summertime 🤣👍🏻 Hi Lise, hi Cuz,
A photo of our village this morning, from Gottfried (the horse guy).
Such as this, so late in the year, is exactly why Germans take off all their clothes on a warm, sunny day.
(Glad I’m in the SUNSHINE State!… I’m persuaded a sixty-six year old naked guy is not a pleasure to behold!)
Two things are on my mind this morning:
It seems STA was damaged by the virus of late – so I am given to understand. The government “bailout” provision allocates funds for all business’, even self-employed individuals. Seems to me STA would qualify in any case. I wonder if one million dollars might be had about now. You’ve been in existence for a substantial amount of time, and, a number of households are affected, for the foreseeable future. A thought worth considering. As a friend once said to me, “Nothing beats failure like trying.” Simple, but true.
My second thought is this, it is time for Jesus. I’d like to sit with you, Lisa, or the both of you, if you are open to this Dave.
It won’t take five minutes, with or without coffee.
This is all I do in life. I know the path to Him well. You will be amazed at what you walk into. I did the same for Clair (LaLa), and Len (your Dad’s Father). It requires nothing of you, except your consent.
Please say “yes.” Please tell me when.
Love
Nick
PS
Thanks for the fine BBQ!
🐸
{Note: Then, there is the fine line we must walk in approaching the afflicted. Lisa’s husband, Dave, must take the initiative in guarding his wife’s preference at such a delicate time of life… the end. Dave did well. In the end, at the beginning of my visits, Dave knelt along side Lisa’s bed as I prayed for her, and for him. I respect that. A man must do his upmost for his wife.}
From: Lisa Tait
Date: March 30, 2020 at 6:27:09 PM GMT+2
To: Nelson Harrold <herrnharrold@yahoo.com>, Dave Vincent
Subject: RE: Summertime 🤣👍🏻I welcome a chat with you, but I’m not sure I’ll “come to Jesus”. I do believe in God, just not sure I am a Christian. Love you!
Now my journal will take over. ‘Twas a grand journey. Every Tuesday I drove three hours from Columbus, Georgia to Tallahassee, Florida, 06:00 till 09:00. I arrived in Tallahassee, went to St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, sat in the back and prayed for Jesus’ presence at my 10:00, “thirty second”, prayer time with Lise. I did not wish to intrude. I intended only to bring the presence of Christ to my dear niece. And that’s exactly what happened! The following excerpts are presented just as they happened, just as I recorded them. [It should be noted, I went also to the house of my sister, Marilyn, after praying for Lisa. We often went out to lunch prior to my return to Columbus.]
Tuesday – 4/August/2020 In the 70’s @ 05:45
Today I drive to Tallahassee to pray for Lisa – and return for diner w/ Deb. – – – “O Lord, may this be of You. Make your presence known, to Lisa; and to Marilyn. Amen.”
So, to this morning ~ “Romans”, perhaps. Rom. 1:9 “Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to the one I serve with all my might, telling others the Good News about his Son.” (TLB)
* My time w/Lisa ~ 3 min., was such that she muted her T.V., and put her head back and closed her eyes as I prayed for her.
Now, I pray this… between me and God:
~ “O Lord, see. O Lord, hear and forgive. O Lord, act, for Your people bear Your Name.”
[and]
II Pet. 1 “You would do well to be attentive to it”*
* “to the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. – as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
~ “O Lord, for Lisa; for Marilyn; for Sam. Amen”
Tuesday – 11/August/2020
Arrived @ Lisa’s @10:57 – an electric (large) mower going next door — I feigned to watch it as Sidney drove in and parked in her parents garage. Sidney showed me in, via the garage – Nancy (Dave’s Mom) was in her living room chair, and “Cousin” (the one with the one eye) was on the couch – TV on. It was his birthday – Cousin’s. I’ll have to get an “old man card” for him at Tractor Supply. We talked, while Sidney tended to her mother and her mother’s bed, and her mother’s stomach feeding tube. Sydney came out, allowed me to enter and pray for Lisa (fresh bed; fresh bag of fluid to stomach – all under a lovely, white bed cover).
I see a change in Sidney – She is becoming an adult – and “broken” – though I think she isn’t aware of it… She just “stepped in” and began this task. Wow, “Lord? – See, hear & forgive; Act, O Lord. For your people bear your name.”
- I think a card for Sidney… with a flower or some such, would be in keeping: “Hello Sidney: I encountered, yesterday, a dedicated, loving, tender and committed young woman. In your caring for your mother, you are being transformed yourself. Good choice my Dear. Love, “Uncle” Nick (& Debbie).
Something like that should do.
Tuesday, 18 August 5:45 AM, 74°… to Tallahassee this morning. Sunny and 94° today in Columbus. Tallahassee should be partly cloudy and 90°.
Today I am to put my fingers on Lisa’s eyes and say “eyes be opened.“ Step by step by step. Lisa has always lived in a material world. Now comes the spirit, the Holy Spirit! And this: Ezekiel 28 “Thus says the Lord…“ and, “For I have spoken.“ And Matthew 19 “For men this is impossible, but for God, all things are possible.“
Oh, get that? All things are possible!”
Prayer: “O Lord, may Lisa be ‘all things.’ Please, with the laying on of my hand on her head, and the touching of her eyes with my fingers, open the eyes of her heart. Amen.“
Note:
The “Lisa visit“ went well: prayer, and hand on head, with thumb and small finger on her eyes. “Eyes be opened, see.“ – In reference to “Open the eyes of her heart.“ Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us, who believe.”
Prayer: “O Lord, do this with Lisa. By the laying on of my hands. Open the eyes of her heart.”
Matthew 19 “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.“
Prayer: “And this, O, Lord, Mark 16 ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved… and these signs will accompany those who believe, they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'”
Prayer: “Oh, Lord, I am doing this with Lisa. I am going. I am placing my hands on her. What of this, O Lord?”
II Kings. 2:14 “He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and struck the water with it. ‘Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ He asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left and he crossed over.“
Prayer: “So, O Lord, see! Hear, and forgive! Act, O Lord, for I bear your Name, to Lisa. ‘Here am I O Lord, send me.’ Isaiah 68.”
Friday – 21/August/2020
… I think Dave V. trusts me with Lisa now. His words to me of late were: “Nick, you are always welcome at our place. Come as your calling requires.”
~ (My prayer) “So, O Lord, see, hear and forgive, act, O Lord, for your people bear Your name. Amen”
Monday – 24/August/2020
~ Preparation for tomorrow’s journey to Tallahassee: Lisa, Marilyn
Tuesday – 25/August/2020, 74° @ 05:40 ~ “Lisa’s day” – To Tallahassee and back. “O Lord, see. O Lord hear and forgive. O Lord act, for your people bear Your name.”
* Note: Waking up “unworthy” these days. I shall go about my assignment, “worthy” or no. ~ “O Lord, use this vessel, tainted though it is. Amen.”
Matt. 16:24 “Whoever wishes to come after me must *deny himself, *take up his cross, and *follow me…
So, what does this mean?
To me
Today
in my life – now
Wednesday – 26/August/2020, @ 05:40 & 78° ~ Back from my “Lisa visit” @ 18:15 hrs. yesterday – A prayer time with her; and I gave Mom’s Bible to Lisa (The Living Bible). So, ~ “O lord, give me living Words to bring life to Lisa… perhaps every day… O Lord, Please find me worthy of Your use… my greatest joy. Amen”
- I believe beginning my morning with meditation & Scripture is the way to go… Much preferred over looking at the news. My thoughts of my family, Marilyn, Dave T. are peace, love, & expectation. 🤠
Friday – 28/August/2020, @ 05:17 & 76° (Up to92°today)
Yesterday was a difficult day for me, spiritually – emotionally – well, both Wednesday and Thursday for that matter. – Today begins with a quote from St. Augustin, sent to me this morning by Brother Valdas (in Lithuania).
It is, as well, a story of God’s calling through the prayers of Augustine’s mother:
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in thee.”
Wow! – Me – for sure! … And Lise.
** Note: Attended Mass with Brother George @ the Base Chapel (Fort Benning).
[Brother George, Catholic Priest, was instrumental in Lisa’s coming to Jesus, later in these notes. Hence he is mentioned at this time]
[Hello dear reader, You will now be privy to more than pertains directly to Lisa, as many goings on in my life affected my ministry to Lisa. So it goes.]
Monday 03:28 hrs. 31 August and it’s 76°.
~”Oh Lord, my son hates me. Oh Lord see oh Lord hear and forgive. Oh Lord act for I bear your name. Amen.”
This is so hard! I have told Deb to call Sam on Sundays, and so she happily has. So that makes me the object of his hate and scorn. (Sam won’t talk to me – at all.)
~“Oh, Lord, give me the wisdom to walk through this. Turn his heart back to you. Amen. “
~“And Lisa, oh Lord what about Lise? What am I to do there? “
Lisa‘s words to me, yesterday: “I have surgery this Tuesday to replace my feeding tube and take my port out. Do you know when you can pray for me? Love, Lisa.”
~“So, you see Lord, I don’t know what to do, not with Lisa. Is she asking me to come and pray? Not with Sam either. Is his hatred for me the same hatred he has for you? Please help me see his heart. Amen “
03:57 hrs., so a bit of shut eye now. Deb will be getting up for school soon. I will see her off, gently.
[So, dear reader, a bit more long-winded now. I’m afraid it is necessary in order for you to understand my own inner tumult over the things that were in front of me. Thus I will speak of them here.]
08:24 – Finished with the morning coffee with Deborah at 05:00. She, off to school, me back to bed till after 8 o’clock. A difficult night all told. It seems Satan’s game plan is to cause me to be unable to allow Deb to communicate freely with Sam. That Sam called Don, Deborah‘s father, yesterday, on Don’s birthday, doesn’t help at all. I think this falls in the realm of jealousy .
~“O, Lord, see my heart may there not be any ‘root of bitterness’ there. No jealousy. May it be this way, O Lord, every morning of every day. May it be for me as Psalm 139, “Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.“
Gosh! This is what I want in my life. All else is just a prison.
This is “jealousy“: jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety. Jealousy can consist of one or more emotions, such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness, or disgust. (Wikipedia.)
Wowee! I see this cropping up in my heart! In regard to Sam, as involves Deb. She is a lighthearted soul. Crystal clear, refreshing springs emanate from her (as was so yesterday), unless I manage to block them up or foul them with jealousy.
And why would I be so inclined?
In me is no good thing.
Psalm 16 “I say to the Lord, you are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. “
Psalm 34 “those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. “
Psalm 84 “for the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty blessed is the one who trusts in you. “
~”And so I do for Sam! Amen! “
10:06 hrs. A phone call from Dave, “OK to come today.” So, off, I go then. Tallahassee.
[Here I must tell the reader of an extraordinary event, which befell me Friday at noon at Mass with Brother George, the Catholic priest. First off, brother, George knew I’m not Catholic, yet he allowed me to participate in Communion/Eucharist. Secondly, brother, George knew nothing at all about Lisa, nor of my prayer visits with her. Realizing this, the reader will more properly grasp reality of “the finger of God“, and what happened that day and prior to and during my time with Lisa and Dave.
As Brother George finished Mass, he exited the Chapel for his office down the hall saying to me “Just a minute.“ When he returned he had a little bottle with a cross emblazoned on it. He filled it from an urn in the Chapel, screwed on the little lid, handed me the bottle and said, “You’ll need this.“ I was puzzled at what had just happened but it was time to go, and so we did. With the little bottle of holy water in my truck, I drove to see Lisa and pray for her. I puzzled over what to do with “holy water“. I know about anointing with “oil” but what of water? It occurred to me that neither element has magic to it but it’s more a matter of what you do with it. So I intended to do the same with the holy water as I might do with the oil: make a cross on Lisa’s forehead with it . Both elements require submitting to. And it seemed to me, considering all things, if Lisa submitted to this action, she would thereby be submitting to God Himself. So, my only obstacle might be her husband Dave.
Now, dear reader, you have a picture of what had transpired, and a hope of what was yet to come. I felt God was in the matter, and rested in that knowledge.
Tuesday 1/September 05:47 hrs. 76°
Yesterday, I made a quick trip to Tallahassee to pray for Lisa. Dave said “Yes come today.” So, prayer with both of them, holding their hands. I used the holy water given to me by brother George to put on Lisa’s forehead. She reached out Her hand to Jesus, to me, to hold. She allowed, in her faith, me to make the sign of the cross on her forehead. Dave allowed this for her.
~“Oh, Lord, they trust me to be you for them. May I be this, Oh Lord? May I be your hand extended, today? “
“The battle belongs to the Lord.“ was just now playing on the radio.
[Note: I did not know that Dave had grown up a Catholic. Now it all made sense. Of course!]
Monday, 7/September 74° here in Tallahassee – 66° in Columbus. Today we go home.
We ended Black & Decker’s life yesterday – Marilyn cried for her little cat.
I cleaned out Dave’s fountain out front of his house yesterday – just something to do for him – for Jesus.
~ “Oh, Lord, make your mark on Dave.” Amen.
It’s only 05:53 – I may nap out here on the porch for a bit.
I spent a little time in prayer with Lisa and Dave at 11 o’clock today. Dave teared up as Lisa tried to direct him to satisfy her wants (a cup or something) “A broken and contrite heart. Oh Lord, you will not despise.”
Tuesday, 8/September (fasting day)
In “review, thought, prayer”:
I have a observed Lisa allowing for prayer and the anointing with holy water. Dave in prayer along with Lisa, weeping.
“A broken and contrite heart. Oh, Lord, you will not despise.”
Saturday, 12 September 0321 hrs. and 75° – supposed to be about 90 today.
No sleep now – not in bed anyway. This time with Don is most disturbing. He brings out the worst in me I’m afraid. I even find myself at odds with my wife, Don’s daughter.
The Priest, Brother George, is ending his service at the Base. He is 85. He’s been a chaplain for 40 years. The army says “END”.
Brother George has been much help to me with Lisa what with the holy water, and now with Don. At Communion on Friday at noon brother George had me drain the chalice. At the end of the line, I think a young man named Mike and I both drank from it. So I did as Brother George directed, with his nod and smile, and holding the chalice out to me a second time. The “Blood of Christ”, then a rinse of the chalice with water. It was an honor to me – probably on his part, somebody had to drink it! And being 85 he is in the COVID-19 category. Me, too, I guess, but not so much Mike though – the young man with first battalion. Oh well, “Lord here am I.”
So, now a bit of reading: “he served the Lord in his generation“ – I’ll look that up! And this one “Do good to those who hate you…“ It may be that both of those apply. “I hope so”,as Brother Bob used to say.
Acts 13 “Now, when David had served God’s purpose and his own generation, he fell asleep…“
How’s this then?: “Now when Nick had served God‘s purpose, in his own generation, he fell asleep.“
~ “O, Lord, may this be so! May I serve your purpose… O, Lord, may I see it this way? May I see it as such and weigh all things this way – That I am serving your purpose in all things – That I have done so for Samuel Thomas Harrold… That with or without me, he will do so. O Lord, that offenses be measured by this measurement: ‘Nick served God‘s purpose in his own generation… And then he fell asleep…’ O, Lord, I want this and the knowledge of this to be my standard for all things in life. Please make my heart this in all things, in perceived offenses… with Don; regarding Deb’s and my life together… All Things, O Lord. And when I have finished your purpose, when I have served your purpose, may I ‘fall asleep’. I cannot see clearly beyond ‘that veil’. I shall look at that scripture now O Lord. I love you with my frail, little heart. Please be pleased to take this my meager offering of thanks. Amen.“
Ah ha!
First, Corinthians 13
“For we know in part, and we prophesy part, but when completeness comes what is in part disappears, for now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see, face-to-face. Now I know in part; then I shall know, fully, even as I am known.”
~ “ Wow, O Lord! You know me… better than I know myself – You put me with Brother George two weeks ago. It was You! And You told him to give me the bottle of holy water! – And it spoke to Dave! Wow, O Lord. Wow! Amen.”
Sunday, 20 September 61° at 07:10
Deb is sitting outside on the front porch. I’ll go join her with a coffee. – she says “You gotta’ have a jacket!”
So, today is church day with the brethren. I’m glad.
Monday, 21 September 04:50 and 58° or so. Tallahassee today. My job today – Tallahassee for today and tomorrow; return on Wednesday. Supposedly, Deb‘s father will depart on Saturday but he’ll stay with her while I am gone.
Wow, my first verse in the readings today Matthew 28: “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you says the Lord.”
“Go then”… I will go and go I do! Now to Tallahassee to Marilyn to Lisa, Dave, and David T.
~ “O, Lord, help me with this assignment. Open the eyes of their hearts – Ephesians one “… That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
I think, now, it is Ephesians into which I am to place myself these next days. – There is so much of who they are, and, who I must be in their presence. – I must do this!
05:50 Deb is preparing to leave for school. Her father is up and at his computer.
06:32 – the readings for today then pack and go.
Wednesday, 23 September at 21:15 hrs. I am home now– Lisa accepted Jesus, Tuesday @ 11:10 hours ~ “Danke Gott!”
Monday, 28th, September 70° at 05:31 hrs. (86° is the high today.)
Note: To Tallahassee tomorrow morning – Lord willing. Prayer for Lisa, Marilyn and David.
Tuesday 29 September 66° now at 05:27 (69° is the high today). I’ll be on the road to and from Tallahassee all day Lisa; Marilyn @ lunch, then back home.
06:25– To depart shortly, maybe some Scripture reading in “The Word Among Us”, sometime today.
20:31 hours – Back home now – Got home at 18:45 hours – dinner with Debbie… chicken pot pie- Mmmm good!
– Here’s my note to my nine friends today:
“Brothers,
… I was with Lisa this morning.
Jesus filled her with his Holy Spirit.
She held My arm to indicate she wanted this. She then indicated she wanted my mom‘s (her grandmother) Bible next to her. I will send a scriptures to her now.
‘Danke Gott… for your faithfulness!’
Love
Nick”
– So, God’s will was done today!
Sunday 4 October & 53° at 06:15 – I’m here at home with Deb. To church this morning then to a time of peace here and in our yard – A gladsome thing to have peace in the midst of storm… Even “the Sam storm “… Even in that we rest in the Lord. “Thy rod and thy staff.” – He sees. He hears, and forgives. He acts – for we bear his name. Wowee!
Monday 5 October 04:57 and 55° – to Tallahassee in a couple of hours. – Marilyn today, Lisa tomorrow; then back home.
Wednesday 7 October 02:44 and 67° …back from Tallahassee yesterday at about 15:15 hrs.
I see Marilyn differently now – she is frail – she is led by the hand… Easily – “miss-led” right now. I took her hand, once upon a time, last summer, 2019, in the hospital when she suffered from Atrial Fibrillation. She easily allowed prayer… She will again, at the time of God’s choosing– her soul shall be snatched from the hand of the enemy.
Lisa‘s path was gradual… Step by step; Tuesday by Tuesday – until she opened her little heart to Jesus. – Her husband, Dave, is not far from this himself… Dave choked up yesterday thanking me for “what you have done…”. – Not far, Dave, not far at all… “Cuz.“ (So we call each other these days, “Cuz”.)
Here, then, is a thought – Deborah put two hummingbird feeders up all summer long – one in the front yard, and one in the backyard. A green Hummer did his best to chase the other Hummers away, from both feeders! He even chased the bumblebees from off the flowers. Friday all the Hummers were gone – they migrated. Yesterday Greeny showed up, sipping, alone from the feeder. His greed, I think, has cost him his life. “Safety in numbers” they say. All the hummingbirds assembled all over Columbus and all places and then all flew away south, I think perhaps to Mexico. Greeny is alone now. All the Sugar water he wants. No competition. No friends. He is alone.
Deb said, as we sat on the swing, observing Greeny, “You are late my dear.”
– Fatal words… Words of love, but of knowing sorrow. May it never be said of me, “You are late my dear. “
In 24 hours hummingbirds can travel 800 miles. They were in Mexico, then, by Monday. A hurricane is due to hit Louisiana and Texas by Friday night. The way is closed for Greeny. “You are late my dear.”
Friday 03:58 hrs. and 71° – To Tallahassee this afternoon. My my my… Life has taken on a different spin these days.
I liked the reading from Esther chapter 4 yesterday: “Within your will, O Lord, all things are established, and there is none that can resist your will.“ I like that.
~ “O, Lord, I must be a weak, little fellow – filled with fear – please forgive me. I will face this day, and whatever it holds, knowing that you have always provided, quite often when I didn’t even realize it. Albertville* was one of those times… And of huge importance in my life! You will provide what is needed for today and tomorrow and all the rest of my tomorrows. I humbly thank you, O Lord. ‘Who am I to be loved by you?’ – As the song goes… a good realization. May my heart remain broken and repentant before you, O Lord. Amen“
* Albertville, Alabama, 1975 ~ There I met Deborah Lynn Weaver… my future wife!
Saturday, 17 October 06:15 hrs. and 48° – A high of 73°. Much better than last year… We were at the hundred degree mark for just about all of October as I recall.
~ O Lord, you have done great things for us. You moved us to Columbus. You got Deb her teaching position at Sowers Elementary School; and now at Faith Middle School. You got me a truck (a really good one!). You put us in our house on 524 Broadway. You got Debbie her new car. You brought Tom Doane home to heaven on July 4th, and let me come to his house and bless him, July 3. You saved Lisa. You, O Lord, have done all things well! As well, may this be the confession of both my sons before their days are through. Amen”
Monday, 19 October 05:00 hours and 50°. Today I drive to Tallahassee. I’ll visit with Marilyn today, and with Lisa at 11 o’clock Tuesday. Then comes the drive home again.
Of note here: A lovely service at St. George’s Anglican Church yesterday morning, and then a splendid bike ride with Debbie along the Chattahoochee River in the afternoon. – I didn’t want to go (on the bike ride), but I’m glad I did!
Monday passed – sad as it was, Lisa, and all; and Marilyn‘s great grief.
~ “O Lord, see. O Lord, hear and forgive. O Lord act, for your people bear your name. Amen”
Wednesday, 21 October 04:52 hrs. and 66° – Back from Tallahassee now.
Lisa – just eyes half open; mouth open. There/Not there.
We will await her passing from this life to the next now.
~ “O Lord, see. O Lord, hear and forgive. O Lord, act, for your people bear your name.”
Amen
Thursday, 22 October 66° here; 72° in Tallahassee, where we are going this morning. Lisa died about six o’clock yesterday evening – and that with her brand new grandbaby on her chest – Ava Claire Vincent.
Funny, Lisa never took Dave’s last name – but now her children carry the name, Vincent, and she is gone.
Friday, 28 October 04:31 hrs. and 73° – driving to Tallahassee this morning lunch with Marilyn – supper on the grill?…
Note:
Saturday (tomorrow) at 1700 is Lisa’s eulogy. I am to give a short anecdote… “non-religious”.
~ “Hmmm… Lord?”
~ “O, Lord, please, anoint me with the Holy Spirit to reflect the truth of your resurrection… Of Lisa now in possession of eternal life… Somehow, O Lord.“
A Word, then, is needed this morning.
End of this story:
So – October ends. Lisa’s death and memorial the big items of the month. Lisa’s salvation – the BIG happening in September.
~ “Danka Gott!”
Amen… I am finished.
