Come and Rest

Scribed by Gracie Prior

Dearest One,

I want you to come and rest with Me. I know there are days that have more going on than others. It is at these times that you must enter My rest. Busy is not bad in itself. Notice the difference between Friday, Saturday and today. All three days were full but Friday and Saturday were glorious because you lived in Me and I am your strength.

Today, you didn't think heavenward or pray or read or sing for a long time. You need Me every day. Take the time to fellowship and focus on eternal things and I will be your strength.

I will see that you get a rest day here pretty soon. I am happy that you are "about your Father's business." That gives you purpose. When done as a child of God, it has divine energy. You are working in My field. You still need all the grace you can get and I pour it out on you.

Love,

Abba

Nancy in Wonderland

This "getting ready for school" time of year reminnds me of our shopping trips to Cleveland, Ohio when we were young. My mom and dad and two sisters would get up before dawn and head out for the freeway. Soon, we were sure to see an amazing sunrise. Once in Cleveland, we parked and came out underground into the Terminal Tower, a skyscraper of sorts. I thought the the place was magical. There in the bowels of the building were newsstands, candy stores, and novelty tables.

When the stores opened, my dad headed to teachers meetings while we ladies shopped. The first stop was to go up a ramp and enter The May Company. One trip, I remember a hat table with a mirror and little doughnut shaped feather circles in variour colors. You pulled them apart and stretched them on like earmufs. How much I wanted one! They were so plum cute sitting there. Since I was a teen at the time, my mom said, "no." Another year that same table had something called wighats. You pulled them on and they fit tightly. They were covered with fake spiky hair. Then you "styled" them with a brush. My little sister actually got one of those.

At noon, we headed out of the building and around the corner to The Mills Restaurant. This was cafeteria style. There weren't many of those then. I always got macaroni and cheese and a bowl of those big green or red chunks of gelatin with whipped cream. Round tables covered the first floor and balcony. A windmill stamp adorned each pat of butter in our small dish. Such a treat.

Back at the stores, Mom always let us choose several matching outfits. I remember a rust colored sweater with a plaid skirt that I loved. When we got home, we laid out all of our tresures on our large bed and Dad got to inspect and approve our purchases.

Since those days, I have always loved cities. I've been to New York City, Pittsburgh, Chicago, San Diego, Amsterdam, Munich, London, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, and a few others. These may have been more glorious, but my little girl heart will never forget her first adventures in The Big City.

Letting Go

Read Jeremiah 31:16,17

"Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Ecc.11:1 NKJ

Are you experiencing the pain of releasing your young person to God's care? I did when we left our shy son among strangers at college.

When we revisited him at mid-term, time was so short. He talked with his dad at lunch and I had no time to visit with him. There were tears in my eyes as he left with an air of authority. He gave no parting hug. I knew he was being macho, and it hurt. He walked away from me towards his new world, his weathered coat flapping like a sail and his sandy hair tousled by the wind. I knew a page had turned.

What had happened to my tenderhearted son? I didn't like his idea of growing up. Still, there was nothing to do but pray and wait for another page.

Since then, out son has come back to us many times, but not as the young man we left behind with his luggage and hopes in tow. He has returned a man with consideration for his parents and a new love for his siblings.

So take courage as you release your trained-up child to the world. Give the world the best you have. Then , like my son and the bread on the waters, it can come back to you after many days.

Prayer: Lord, help us to release our chilldren and all things to You. Amen

(My son graduated from that college and he is the subject of "August Night." He is also the son soon to be married. So God's plans do work out. Nancy)

The Beginning of a Love

When I was a little girl and my mother still read to me, we went to a big cream library with a children's nook. Here under the regular sized books were large-sized treasures called Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka by Sweedish author Maj Lindman. These books were about triplets and were very simple. My favorite and to become my daughter's favorite was Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake A Cake. The extent of the plot is that the girls are creative and bake a cake for their mother's birthday. There is usually some good deed in the stories. They are sweet and wholesome. The pictures, to me, are endearing.

So my love of reading began with these books. If they were all out, I had a fit. There were also a set of boy triplets: Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr. I'd have to settle for one of those if the others were gone.

I read quite a bit to my children as they grew to love books, too. How surprised I was to find out that my daughter, Dawn, cherished these books as much as I. Even in the '80's and early '90's we had to search around to find them. Then one day, as Dawn became a teen, I discovered that my books were no longer in our library. They had been replaced by more current works.

I was totally surprised at Christmas two years ago by a pressent from Dawn of five of the Flicka, Ricka, Dicka books gotten from E-bay. How certain pictures brought back memories. I plan on reading these and the boys' version (if I can find them) to my grandson.

Story types do change. Most of you might find them quaint and the books certainly don't follow current writing rules, but I still love them. I think there is room in a child's life for several types of stories. Perhaps some children like to visit the slowed down "Mr. Rogers" type world where things don't zip by so quickly. At any rate, I thought you would like a taste of what '50s children enjoyed. Nancy

Beautiful Brides

This is just a short note so I could show you how lovely toilet paper bridal gowns can be. Who knew? I'll be back soon with a longer entry.

P.S. The winner is on the right.

A Grand Occasion

Sunday I had the chance to attend a bridal shower for my son's bride to be. Here in the picture are from left: my niece, my daughter, my sister, and myself holding my grandson.



It was so special having extra time with my sister and niece. They live in Ohio and we only see each other about twice a year. I was overjoyed to see all of the lovely gifts for the new couple. We played the game where you decorate a chosen person in a bridal gown made with toilet paper. My dauaghter was the "victim" in our group. She looked darling even though someone else won.



My two sons made an appearance near the end and greeted everyone.

The baby was so good, even after being handed around to many guests. He's a trouper. So it turned out to be quite an occasion. The wedding is three weeks from that date and so there is much to anticiipate.

Here is the baby and Mom.

The New and Improved Internet Device

I am writing this at home on my new and improved interned dedvice. It is wonderful to be at my own desk and have a dictionary handy as well as other things I may need as I blog. A very nice man just helped me and explained it all to me. He was a Christian and it was so nice to have someone who understood my neophyte position. I had a pretty big weekend. I want to put this on and tell some more tomorrow.

This Way of Life

Scribed by Gracie Prior

Dearest One,

It is good to be dilligent. It is good to pray. As you cast all your cares on Me, there will be a great peace that will so come over you that I say others will notice. Just live your life, one day at a time, being faithful in what you know and what you have been shown. You will be rested, joy will overtake you. There is victory in this way of life. My energy and power are here in the present with you. I don't want you to run ahead. This way of living will lead you to the place of My fond and hearty, "well done."

Also, you are correct that I want you to stand on the solid Rock of your salvation. It will comfort you. I am going to be speaking and I want you to listen. Remember, be calm in all things.

Loving you,

Abba

(This is a busy time for me. We have a wedding soon. Monday, I hope to get my new and improved internet so I don't have to visit the library so often. There are more things coming up that I will discuss later. I just want you to know why I have had to cut back a bit with my blogging and that I value our times together. Fondly, Nancy)

The Solid Brick

Finding myself with some extra time these days, I am trying to make the most of it. I have been gathering up all my family prophecies, scriptures, notes from everywhere, my letters, and quotes and concentrating them. I take a series at a time and go to my prayer closet and do business. At this point in my life, I have been through numerous self-help books and Christian guides of one sort and another. I know what I believe and the general direction that God is taking me. I can read other things, because I am open to new ideas, but anything that doesn't fit doesn't go into my "brick" of ideas and truths I am building.
You'd think my brick would be pretty big by now. But you see, I am constantly compacting it. Those precious ideas that I find in many different venues come to be added on to the brick and pressed down tight in all directions. I might write about some of my "truths" sometime, but I just wanted to share how the process is working right now. God is faithful to help me use those wonderful areas He has shown me.

August Night

(By Gracie Prior)

In a fit of seeplessness, I walked out onto the balcony into the crisp air of an August night. The sky's expansive face was freckled here and there by a cloudy film, the evening's fair complexion. As I gazed above me, a star streaked across the firmament like a tear falling from the infant night. Another followed an arc along its path and disappeared. Why was he cying, this comely child? I stood in wonder, pulling my robe tighter against the chill. A star raced here and another there. Deeply touched, I saw the countenance of heaven spew tears of light across the sky. I paussed a few moments with the lad till my neck grew tired and my flesh shivered forn the cold. "Be at peace, Child of Night," I whispered. Reluctantly I left my post and sought my place of rest.

Sleep at last stole over me till a dreamless woid was bothered by a lonely mournful cry. It traveled from my brain down to my soul and to the ear. Would the child of night not let me be?

Again the voice came louder. This was no phantom call. Like endless trips on endless nights, my child's summons reached my heart and pulled me to his side. His little body had a chill while mine was warm and ready. I held him close and as we rocked I sang to hm, old melodies to a newborn mind. I felt his body release the darkness as he playfully sang his own song. I became a stranger in a secret world. His tiny voice was so airy, like a sring of stars caught on a spider's web. "Baby." Like a wisp of color born of a dream, he spoke, "Momma." He lingered awhile between sleep and wakefulness, not aware of my presence. I looked on him in love. Still tired in body, I no longer resented having been roused fronm a deep sleep. His skin by glow of the evening lamp rivaled the milky expanse of heaven. His face was to me a master work of art.

He threw his timy arm around my neck and healed old wounds still tender. Oh, little son, you spoke of things eternal. What need was there for sleep? Outside the skies were reignend by Child of Night, but my arms encircle you who rule the morrow.

(Gracie Prior is the pen name I use for my literary material.)

Dedication

We had a wonderful day on Sunday. Our grandson was dedicated to the Lord at our church. Many of my family members were there. It was such a joy to share this great experience with many of my other loved ones.

Later, we went to the home of friends who also had their baby dedicated that day. It was fun seeing Ty with his nanesake. I also got to hold him for a long while. There is something otherworldly about this whole experience. It takes me back to the time I held my babies, who all looked a bit like Ty, with the black sticky-out hair. It was a time when I was in love with a new tiny being. It's all there, the feelings, as if time had just disappeared.

What a wonderful thing to be able to offer the baby back to the Lord for His service and to promise publicly that I will help to raise him in the way that he should go. I can sense some rocking chair and hymn time coming up.

(Monday I hope to post a blog that is one of my favorite writings of all time. I've been saving it for just the right moment. Hope to see you right here. Nancy)

On Giving

Dear Ones,
Giving is a part of worship, a part of the joy, a part of total dependence on Me. What you give to, you become a part of. Giving releases you from care. It settles it forever that I am in charge and you are the temporary holders of My wealth.
Other than that, I love My people and you can't give to Me without receiving something in return. It's just not possible. Thank you for including giving in your worship and may you be blessed as I pour out My love to you. Abba

In these economic times, it is important not to hold back your hand. There is a river that flows constantly called sowing and reaping and we want to keep that river going. We can give time by helping others. We can give money. God wants us to give what we can, cheerfully, not what we don't have. Our emotions, feelings, prayers, and burdens can all be given to God. It is such a joyful, little thing to do. Blessings, Nancy

The Special Hug

I used to be a writer and send things out to be published. I would get a lot of rejection notices. One time they got me down and I cried. My little Benny asked why I was crying and I told him. He reached up and hugged me and said, "Is that better?" I said, "I may not be a published writer, but I have a three year old with eyes of blue who loves me God is so good"

I found that note one week when I was Aglow treasurer and needed to do little speeches. I told them them that I was thinking of taking up writing again. I knew that whatever happened, I had a 19 year old son with eyes of blue who was such a good boy and he loved me. God was so good. A lady in the audience gave me a prophecy about my writing. "This is the time God has for me to write, from the foundation of the world,, whether books or articles and He will bless it. It will be awesome. He will bring it forth." It was soon after that that I started my continuing series of letters from God. I have shared them and I believe God continues to use them.

Last week, I saw the title The Special Hug on my list of documents on my new computer. I now have a 29 year old son with eyes of blue who is such a fine young man. He has a son with eyes of blue who is wonderful. I still get good hugs from this good son. And my blog publishes my writing so the story comes full circle. God is so very good!