Medium of Exchange

Our son Jamie said he had already taken us to everything in Houston, so now he was taking us to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Ft. Worth, Texas. All was very enlightening about how our paper money is made. The display outlined several criteria for money:

1) Easily carried or portable. 2) Durable. 3) Attractive or desirable. 4) Backed by a government or authority that it is "legal tender." 

Several parallels between money, or medium of exchange, and our salvation occurred to me. First, our testimony is easily carried; It is with us wherever we go. Then, it is durable; it will last a lifetime. Thirdly, it is attractive.  Our lives are to give off a sweet-smelling savor, or the fragrance of Christ, making salvation attractive. (II Corinthians 2:15, Ephesians 5:2.) Fourthly, God has accepted the blood of Jesus as "Legal Tender," or payment for our salvation.

Paper money, such as we use, has no intrinsic value of and in itself. It is known as "fiat" currency. Fiat is a Latin word meaning "Let it be done." Jesus said, "It is finished."

I forgot to mention the ultimate proof of a note's reliability. It has threads woven through it that show up under a special light that prove it is not counterfeit. The scarlet cord that runs from Genesis to Revelation is Jesus' blood, one that cannot be counterfeited. Also there are watermarks on our paper currency that show up if held to the light--often a picture of a  president or other symbol. A true salvation testimony, when held up to the light of scrutiny or criticism, will reveal the image of Jesus.

Just as the engraving process is carried out under enormous pressure, Jesus suffered such enormous pressure of the weight of bearing the sins of the world that his sweat became as drops of blood during His Passion in the Garden of Gethsemane. The very word, "Gethsemane", means "oil press, indicating that that was the place where the olives were squeezed in an ancient press. All this that we may have His Name engraved on our hearts for all eternity.

The long way home

 The long way home

"If you want to stop for coffee, lets stop at McDonald's" I suggested. I knew he liked their coffee, and it was fun to people watch.

When Howard got his coffee, I saw someone approaching us and saw it was our pastor, who is a fan of their coffee, too. Gesturing toward his table he invited us to sit down.

Somehow the topic of military service came up, and Howard did a double take when the preacher mentioned being station at Fort Bliss, Texas.

"Fort Bliss! I was there for my basic training!" Howard exclaimed. "When were you there?"

"From October to December in 1956," Pastor said. Howard's eyes grew wide, since those were the exact dates he was there. When they recovered from the coincidence, they couldn't bring up memories fast enough.

"Remember Castner Field and those tracer bullets?" one said. Oh, I'd heard all about crawling under machine gun fire, but here was somebody Howard could talk to who understood!

They recalled a certain drill sergeant, the food in the mess halls, bivouacs and guard duty, each memory accompanied by delight and hearty guffaws. I was caught in the middle of a barrage of army stories with shots being fired on each side of me.

"Aren't you glad I suggested McDonald's? I said in the car on the way home. Howard nodded with a half smile, still lost in reverie.

"Me, too," I said, knowing that there are some things only a fellow soldier could understand.

It's in the Air!

 It's in the Air!

Every morning I wake up to a muffled, soft rumble in the air outside my window. At first, I thought it was rain and thunder, but I finally got used to the planes coming in to the Tri-City-Airport near by.

My husband and I had travelled that sky route many times as we came to visit family here. Most times the last leg of our journey was rough, bumping along with clinched fingers holding tight. Often, we couldn't sit together, me beside a non-talker who kept his eyes closed.

After Howard's illness and eventual passing, my scattered family, after our dear one's funeral, insisted that I stay at their homes , to distract my grief and sadness.

After spending weeks at their various homes, it was time for me to go back to Tennessee. This time, my son, Trevor, arranged my flight via Dallas, Texas, to the Tri-City Airport. The flight this time was a top-notch, sleek, comfort and non-stop for the flight of only a little more than an hour.

"Are we descending?" I asked my surprised seat mate, a studious young adult who appeared to study law, by the thick book he perused. In no time we landed safely and family members were here to greet me.

A time of settling in has followed, the routine of buying groceries, solitary meals, and Sunday church. And when I hear the rumble of the morning plane, I realize that some unknown time in the future, I'll fly away!

It is Finished!

 It is Finished!

The keepsake quilt of memories my loving daughter, Julie, and I arranged and constructed over the past few weeks. Fifty chosen squares representing the life of, and favorite clothing of my dear husband, Howard.

Not only were the patterned shirts included, but also the rugged denim of his favorite blue jeans that I saw him wear so often for work or comfort.

When we spread it across my bed today, we marveled at the cheering bright colors that lit up the room. Then we realized it reflected the blue wall color of the bedroom!

Thank you, Julie, for the time you put in to complete this treasure! I look forward to restful nights and sweet dreams of memories ahead!

Video Treasures

 Video Treasures

I'm so glad we decided to record videos of Howard singing, playing the guitar and giving a Bible message to all several years ago. I don't remember if it was my idea, or his, but we both worked together to accomplish it.

I do remember printing the words on large copy paper, being sure to make them legible to be read from his position.

It was Howard's pleasure to look up relevant passages in the Word and read them intermittently, between the strums on his guitar giving encouraging, up-beat, scriptures to his audience.

I still love going back to hear his messages and outreach to many. There were 100+ plus videos that we made. I can only believe that it was when his health began to fail that he put down the guitar for a time.

Doctor's visits showed necessary heart surgery, followed by a month of recuperation in the hospital. Thankfully I was allowed to stay there, too, and assist in his care when he came home. Several years of improved health followed. He especially enjoying tending farm animals and the country side where our son, Greg, lived.

I still miss him dearly, but I am thankful for the many years (62) that we had together. He may not be playing a guitar up there, but it might be a harp!

What a venue to spread the Word as my dear husband

God's Provisions

 God's Provisions

Howard was on the phone to the New Orleans Police Department to report an armed robbery at his place of business, shared with his brother-in-law.

While waiting for a connection, a voice came on that said, "I've brought you through two of these things, now go do what I've told you to do."

In short order, my husband resigned a business of 20 plus years and enrolled in a Bible college. He never looked back. However, we still had three kids at home to further their education.

Son Trevor enrolled at a Bible college in Waxahachie, TX, where he met his wife and lived there ever since. He now works for the Dept. of Education for the government.

Daughter Amy enrolled in Nursing School, and has an amazing nursing career to this day.

Our last one at home, Benjamin (Jamie) received a full scholarship at OU in Oklahoma with one year in France. He is in ministry today.

I'm sure my dear loved one in Heaven, if such things are possible, is rejoicing for the family we raised for the Lord!

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People Reached

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Engagement

Boost Post

11

 My late husband, Howard, wore many hats. I see the new Stetson hat hanging on a hook in the back of the bedroom door. Our sweet daughter-in-law, Tammy, had bought it for him when he admired it at an outing at Cracker Barrel last year. Sadly he never got to wear it as his health failed.

When I see his farm hat, the brim a little bent but still appreciated in the sun, I think of him riding around on the yard tractor.

My beloved wore the hat of a devoted, guiding example for our family of six children and many loving grandchildren.

Their father ministered in many pulpits, from being on staff in a large church in Kansas, to pastoring a church for several years in Gulfport, Mississippi and ministering to the victims of hurricane Katrina.

When the pastor of a small church in Newkirk, Oklahoma was injured and debilitated from a horrific wreck, Howard served for 6 months in preaching and teaching until the pastor recovered.

He wore many hats, being on church boards, including Solid Rock Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He wears no hat now, only a crown in heaven!

Mountain Moments

 Glaciers! White mountains surrounding our drive, looking like floating, frozen ships at an altitude of 7,000 feet! I had seen snow on the mountain tops before, but not an all encompassing frigid panorama of ice all around us!

 What a difference a day makes! After the gloom of frost, snow pellets, and icy, misty rains, the clear, sunny weather was an invitation to explorations of a neighboring town.  The scenery route was gorgeous,  hills and valleys giving way to fields carpeted in green spreading over pastures where livestock grazed.

Arriving at our destination, I recalled being there before, a few years ago when my husband, Howard, was with us. At a Hobby Lobby store there, I found a charming wall decor, a painting of a country church with an artistic scroll of the word, Gather in the foreground. Since Howard approved, I bought it and it is hanging on our wall still.

After exploring shops and bargains, our hunger got the best of us, requiring a delicious lunch served car-side in styro-foam trays. The picturesque ride home made me hope that my dear one was looking on from heaven, the best view of all.

Sweet Sadness

 Sweet Sadness

My daughter, Julie, and I are creating a memory quilt for me from favorite shirts of my late husband, Howard. I have carefully selected several of them that I know he liked and wore many times, now finding new homes on a patchwork quilt I will cherish.

The pattern on the cloth reflects stripes and checks of blue, brown, and even pink or black on the precious garments. We are saving wide strips of blue jeans to border the width and length of the quilt between the stitched squares of memories.

A warm, fluffy blanket will be attached to the quilt's under side, a forever memory of the happiness of the 62 years the Lord gave us.

 Leap of Faith

"Look, Howard," I pointed. "It looks like Heaven!" Sure enough, the bricks lining the walkway glistened in the morning dew leading a path up the slope to where the early sun was shining through the trees.

Another early walker was holding her little terrier on a leash, the dog barking furiously at a squirrel scurrying up a tree. Higher and higher it balanced precariously on fragile twigs and limbs, the dog barking more furiously.

Finally, there was nothing for it for the squirrel to take a precarious leap to a wind-blown limb on a neighboring tree. I held my breath as the squirrel sailed across the chasm of nothingness below, landing safely on the limb twig.

I'm sure Howard has landed safely at his destination, his leap of faith carrying him home.

In Retrospect

I wear his robe. I wear his pajamas. I wear his pull-over and I sleep on his pillow. The bed is so big and empty on his side. I usually arose first, then called him to breakfast, which he loved.  It was routinely his choice of eggs and sausage, and always coffee. Then it was time with his Bible, the Bible I now carry to church and treasure so much.

My husband's daily routine was to go through his check register, keeping it up to date and leaving room for all the several causes he supported: Samaritans Purse, Guidepost, Light for the Lost, Compassion Ministry, TBN and many others, of course including our local church.

Beyond that, Howard kept a daily planner which I looked through today. Dating back a little, I saw he had noted from time on the farm: Get hog today. Buy pig water trough. Call Eddie.(His handy man.) Dr. Lance Walnau. and others. This little booklet is precious to me.

I think back to the time we lived in Oklahoma and often walked through the beautiful park near our house. Once snow was covering the walkway, but we trudged through it anyway. The next day, we went back and followed in our own footsteps frozen in the snow.  Howard's earthly footsteps have left a legacy to family and friends, a legacy to follow.

Memories

 "If you're going to the Post Office, check to see if my Past Book came in!" I called after Julie and Steve as they drove away. I had been looking for it any day, and wondered if it were lost or something. Waiting  patiently, I couldn't wait until they got home.

Then after a while suddenly at the door in the rain was granddaughter Sarah, carrying a puffy water-proof bag tied with a knot slipped over her arm.

"It's your book!" she exclaimed.  "It was hanging on the mail box in the bag because it was too big to fit inside!"

I had surmised that, the reason I had worried about the mail delivery.  I couldn't wait to remove the cardboard packaging to look inside.  I knew by the thin book it would not be thick like my other Past Books, but I couldn't wait to see the pictures!

There they were, with kids eating at the picnic table on the porch and flashing mug shots at the camera.  It was a few days after Howard's surprise birthday party, and he sat amiably at the kitchen table, smiling at the kids and their antics.  All the Happy Birthday cards were still taped to the door where I had put them.

A few days later, granddaughter Bethany appeared, manipulating Howard's wheel chair and getting him into the car.  "We're going to Troyers!" she exclaimed.  It is a huge, rustic store specializing in great lunches wrapped in butcher paper, not to mention their famous meat market and unusual products not found any where else.

Howard and I sat at an outside table where we ate our lunch.  I even had Bethany take a picture of us. Not a great shot of me, although I smiled cheek to cheek with him. The photo shows he was really not into it, and probably a little uncomfortable. Howard only ate part of his sandwich. 

I still pore over the book, even though he is gone now. I treasure a remarkable portrait on  the first page  of Howard behind the pulpit at our church, his arm lifted high in preaching and an open Bible in his other hand, the leaves fluttering open from where he would take his text, not long before he would take his heavenly flight.

 Where could Howard's black guitar be? I had searched high and low when I came back from extended stays with family after my husband's funeral.  It was just so strange that the instrument had disappeared. I couldn't imagine what happened to it. Until today!

My daughter, Julie, had just found out that my son, Greg, had offered our grandson, Zack, the guitar to take home to Mississippi with him! Well, that is fine with me, because I know Zach enjoys the instrument and uses it to help in his ministry.

When I remember all the video programs we did with Howard playing on different guitars, looking up scriptures and reading them to his audiences, then singing his favorite hymns, I know sometimes it was with the black guitar.

It is hard to give away my dear husband's possessions, but I know he would be happy for loved ones to have them. I have just decided that instead of giving away some of his wardrobe, my daughter and I are going to make a quilt stitched in place with his favorite shirts. I know I will cherish the quilt, always reminding me of the covering, care, and support for our family that was brought up in the "fear and admonition of the Lord!" No doubt our loved one is strumming strings on musical instruments of guitars or harps in Heaven!

 After the services of my dear husband and several gatherings of families, our kids decided that I was to be brought to their various homes in Georgia, Texas, Houston, and Oklahoma for several weeks. Their loving hospitality was a helpful distraction to my sadness, even though my pillow was damp every night.

Getting back to Tennessee recently, I stumbled onto some notebooks Howard had kept that I hadn't noticed before. I pulled them out today and saw his heart in the many scriptures he noted:

"No weapon formed against thee will prosper.." Isaiah 54:17.

"Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Psalms 68:"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just and pure, if there be any virtue, of good report, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.

I had to laugh when I saw he said, "I think things about my six kids! Benjamin, our youngest son, Pastors in Houston, TX. Mark, our oldest son, Pastors in Austin, Texas. Trevor, who travels for the Dept. of Education, teaching Government Law in colleges, universities, and even over seas.

Son Greg is an inspector of refineries far and wide. Julie, or oldest daughter, is a Pastor's wife, artist and writer. Amy, our youngest daughter, is a heart cath nurse in Georgia for over 20 years, and have helped saved many lives."

He finishes by saying that we are at a very difficult time in our lives, due to health problems. True, but our memories will abide forever!

Philippians

 What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was blizzard like, and today is warm as Spring! I even sat outside on the porch balcony to have my lunch!

And what a difference a few months make. From joyful outings eating under outdoor umbrellas as my spouse and I did, to his becoming increasingly unwell, in and out of the hospital. I miss him terribly now that he has obtained his heavenly home.

I do have a special treasure that I can go to any time and see videos we made of him singing, playing the guitar and giving uplifting stories and scriptures read to his many listeners. I counted the treasured videos today which are upward of a hundred. Why did this idea come to me so determinedly back then? God knows our hearts, and He put it in mine to save these treasures for many.

How we worked and scoured Bible stories that were meaningful to all. With Howard's love of interacting with people, telling stories, strumming the guitar and spreading the gospel, and me encouraging and working behind the scenes, we accomplished a treasure trove of love and memories. Thank you, God, for this remembrance!

W

 It'sno joke! It's Narnia outside! I woke up and looked out the window to see a landscape of every tree, twig and branch coated in white, and every car, vehicle, or yard machine covered in a thick blanket of white!

The predicted snow had come softly in the night, since we had gone to bed and decided the weather wasn't going to come through. What a surprise! And so beautiful! Phone calls were alerted that there would be no church service today!

Thankfully we had stocked up on provender yesterday! I even bought a rotisserie chicken which I sampled as soon as I got home! So delicious, and I will probably enjoy it for lunch today!

Earlier, while it was still dark, I thought I recognized a mottled covering on the window, and by the time I got up it was more pronounced than ever. Opening the door, I caught my breath at nature's beauty.

It is definitely a winter wonderland outside with the tangle of every tree's twigs, branches and crooked limbs laden with a blanket of white. I am reminded of a scripture in the Bible referring to lilies, but also reads: "And yet I say to you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." These snow flakes!

 Yay! I keep finding things I thought I had lost for good! I purchased new glasses a month or so ago, but I couldn't find them lately. I was so disappointed and upset, but just using readers to see. Then yesterday as I got up from a nap on the sofa, I straightened the cushion and couldn't believe my eyes. My glasses were under the sofa cushion!

Also, I was getting depressed and aggravated because perfume I had bought which my son was helping me select had disappeared from the face of the earth! Then suddenly it was plain as day on my bureau!??

Glancing as I walked past my tall wrought-iron corner glass shelves, I noticed a small pottery pitcher at the bottom with a phrase engraved almost circling the pitcher. Looking closely, I read, "I was

thirsty, and you offered me drink...." Matthew 25:35. Obviously, the pitcher had not caught my attention lately!

This every day trivia added a bright spot to my days, which no doubt has had me walking around in a fog after re-adjusting to my new way of life without my beloved help meet who has gone on to heaven. Thank you, God, for my precious memories!

thirsty, and you offered me drink..." Matthew 25:35.

 Finally! The blue sky is showing through the puffy, white clouds! After being snowed in all week-end and more, it is so refreshing to feel the breezes and seeing the undergrowth peeking up above the soil. Spring has got to come sometime, but I will hold my breath for now!

As I sit in my late husband, Howard's, office room, I look around and find memories of him that touch my heart. Ironically, just a few months before his health failed, he was determined to write a news letter to friends and family, which encompassed over 50 letters, entitled "AS I See IT".

In it he shared his 82 years lifetime, all the ups and downs, dangers and successes. I'm so thankful to have copies of the letter which are no doubt cherished by the families of our six children, other congregants of the churches he served, and his fellow man,

lifetime friends, and those who loved and appreciated his ministry

of the Gospel.

As I sit in his room, I am surrounded by his racks of clothes so dear to me. The time will come soon that I will have to find homes for them, given in the realization and hopefully appreciation of the giant of a man who wore them!

 What is wrong with me! Monday I made Lemon Cake, Tuesday I created a luscious Lemon Meringue Pie, and today I made Banana Bread! Thankfully, I can share these (or should I say make others take some) so I won't consume it all! Well, I blame it on the weather: Deep snow on Sunday, no church then or Wednesday night, it staying on for days, and today I see icy rain drops on the window!  What else is there to do but eat?

One bright spot in my boredom though, is I have ordered a Past Book! To be delivered in a few days! I love the beautiful pictures of past good times and family gatherings, seeing how kids have grown, Engagement and wedding portraits, and so much more. 

I am particularly excited and touched by seeing glimpses of my dearest husband before his sickness. His birthday came on the same day as a young family member who was celebrating his birthday as well. I love the party caught on video and Howard's surprise of a personal Birthday cake and gifts from friends. I will treasure it in my Past Book!

Another milestone in the family is our Birthday girl turning 18 and getting her driver's license! She passed an early test today and will be driving soon! Maybe she would like some of my oven goodies!

                   

 Having been away for several weeks following the loss of my dear husband, Howard, I was going through some things that had been gathered up by my thoughtful family. Pulling  something from a basket, I realized it was one of Howard's guitar straps! The words, "I AM BLESSED" were professionally stitched along the strap which he wore with his guitar.  How well I remember several years ago when he also had the letters "ONE OF THEM" put on another guitar strap which he enjoyed while singing and making videos.

What a treasure! I had not a dry eye when I found this remembrance he enjoyed so much. Now when I look at his many spiritual videos sharing the Word of God in messages of song and story, I am so glad he made them. It was always a pleasure to be his videographer and assistant in selecting the messages. How I love to look at them now!

All my children's families were so hospitable, taking me into their homes and comforting me in my great loss of 62 years of marriage, not counting the five years of youth and "dating." (As a youth, my friends and I were always waiting until Howard finished praying at the altar so we could run around!) He was always a great example. 

Well, I can only say, "I Am Blessed" for the years the Lord gave us, and in Heaven I am sure Howard is "One of Them"!

By Thelma (Mrs. Howard) Summers