Finding Contentment

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:4-13 (ESV) – “…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…”

Additional Bible Readings:

II Corinthians 11:24-30; Romans 8:28

Devotion:

How would our family find contentment after learning that our mother was diagnosed with multi-focal dementia? The Apostle Paul knew how to experience contentment in all circumstances. He gave his anxieties to Jesus and received, in exchange, a peace that surpassed understanding. Paul’s contentment was governed by an inner attitude that drew its strength from God.

In our family’s new reality as we face an uncertain future, we can be confident that, while God did not cause our Mother’s condition, he has allowed it to accomplish a divine purpose. We submit to a trustworthy, loving God who has our best interests at heart. He will quiet our anxious spirits and give us the ability to respond as he would.

Prayer:

Dear Father, uphold us in the knowledge that You will never leave us or forsake us.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 Challenge:                          

Persevere in your circumstance knowing that God intends to accomplish good through it in your life.

A Tribute to Nonnie

This past week Wayne and I accompanied Greta, Bryan, and Aurora to St. Louis for the funeral of Bryan's grandmother, Martha Flynn, a precious woman of faith. This is a poem I wrote in her honor, for she was dearly loved.

A TRIBUTE TO NONNIE

A wonderful woman is no longer with us,

Heaven’s now her glorious home;

Wicked cancer took our gracious Nonnie from us –

Her life’s revered, a sacred tome.

Nonnie blessed our lives richly with her gentleness,

Excellence, hospitality;

We applaud her skills in knitting, tennis, and bridge

Shared with infectious gaiety.

Nonnie touched children’s lives as a renowned teacher;

Her heart was filled with compassion.

She loved Tony, Pat, Bryan, Greta, and Rori,

Bob earned her devoted passion.

Nonnie’s funeral mass was a touching tribute

To an exceptional woman;

Hundreds of loved ones came to honor her; they stayed,

Prayed, and sang ‘til worship was done.

Beautiful music and words of Holy Scripture

Brought comfort to the hearts of all;

Family fellowship in the home of the Moore’s

Gave endearing closure to all.

We want to carry on the legacy she left:

Love for God, love for family,

A Christian lifestyle and joyful worship of God,

Kind to all, ever neighborly.

We thank God for His gift of Nonnie in our lives;

We’ll carry her love in our heart.

Our memories of her are precious and many –

The tears flow freely as we part.