iona's blog 10/2 - 10/8/2005

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Sunday, October 2, 2005

Dateline: Aberdeen, SD
My cousin Dorothy lost her battle with cancer and went home to the Lord, so I left Galt at about 3:00 Saturday morning headed for Aberdeen, SD. Now, 1884 miles and 42 hours later I am eating a $4.25 cardboard pizza and unwinding in my spacious $35/night motel room, complete with free internet and continental breakfast... West Coast prices have not extended this far into mid-America.

The drive was a rare opportunity to spend hours of uninterrupted time with my Lord. It was a wondrous time of prayer, listening to old time Southern Gospel music and singing along at the top of my pitifully off-key lungs... It was a splendid time of reflection as places along the highway brought back memories of God's past mercies and lent reassurance of those yet to come. Who can fathom how and why He apportions them as He does. Why does one live and another's life be seemingly cut short?

East of Salt lake City, along I-80, I relived one of God's miraculous saves. I was a single mom then with a house full of children. I had gotten a job hauling crude from Utah's Duchesne oil fields into the Salt Lake refineries. I left each evening at about 9 and would usually be home before the kids had to leave for school in the morning. The older ones were in high school and watched things over night as I worked.

One snowy night as I reached the I-80 junction, the road was closed. This was extremely bad news. The crude I hauled was loaded hot because it had an extremely high paraffin content and if it cooled, the wax would gel the oil in the tanker (taking days to reheat and unload). My tanker had layers of sprayed on foam insulation. It was old and in some places the foam was all but gone. I needed to get that load to the refinery fast.

I learned over the CB that the road had been open until just a half an hour earlier, so I foolishly decided to proceed. I navigated off the exit at Park City as the signs directed, but instead of parking, took the on ramp back onto the interstate.

Conditions deteriorated rapidly. The snow was coming so hard and fast I could barely see. The temperature was dropping fast... not good for my waxy crude, but better for traction. The snow was so cold it was like a grainy powder, almost like sand. I was pushing my 350 Cummins for all she was worth, crawling up the steep east side of Parleys. Just before the summit, the engine coughed and sputtered, then resumed, then died on the crest of the mountain.

I didn't have to guess what the problem was. Diesel fuel gels when temperatures drop too low. I had added conditioner, but not enough and had been in too big of a hurry to stop and buy more. I bundled up to see if I could clear the filter and fuel lines but could not bear to stay outside more than a minute or two. The winds had become gale force and the sandy snow felt like it would peel the skin right off my face.

Nothing to do but wait it out. A snow plow would be along in a bit and I would flag him down. I wrapped up in the blanket I always carried and waited... no one came. I knew I was getting dangerously cold and feared the storm was big enough to keep the road crews parked until morning. I

I had tried the CB over and over before and was afraid there would be little battery left (I had cranked a bit trying to start the engine). I curled up in the blanket, so cold I hurt. I was learning the real meaning the "bone chilling." I prayed, then prayed some more. At last I began to feel drowsy and warmer. I wanted to sleep and was drifting off... welcoming the soft blackness... no longer cold... Thank... you... Lord. NO!!!!

Something forced me awake and made me try one last time on the CD. By now I could barely move and it took all my strength to crawl out of the sleeper and pick up the mike, "Breaker, channel nine, I need help, anybody copy?"

Nothing.

Too tired to get back to the sleeper... just fade to black right here...

"I've got you," cracked the speaker. I don't remember his handle, but he was in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a good 500 miles away! He got me to tell him where I was and I must have told him my bosses" names, too, because two hours later, Woody and Buzz, (two good guys who dared hire a woman crude hauler) were dragging my half frozen bones out of the truck.

CBers call it skip when a signal bounces off cloud cover or whatever to reach a radio many miles away... but it is rare and usually involves some high powered equipment. I call it a miracle... and I thanked my Savior yet again as I drove past that fateful spot. It reminded me of the time He saved me from the mountain lion... but that's a story for another blog.

Monday, October 3, 2005

Dateline: Aberdeen, SD... Again
Dorothy's funeral was today. I am so glad I came. I was the only extended family member there except for a third cousin who lives in the area. Most folks were surprised I drove that far, some were not expecting me at all, others said, "I knew Iona would be here." I'm so glad they "knew" I would be there to comfort and just be... as a family.

The day before our first Women of Grace Bible study, I mentioned to my neuro-psychologist that I was a bit nervous. His response, "Just go and be." I LIKE that! So, that was my goal here as I am hurting with my family... just go and be, and in my being, perhaps lend solace, or peace, a quiet testimony...

Turns out Dorothy was a believer and a member of the First Baptist Church of Aberdeen... and although some of her family are not believers, they were very open to the beautiful sermon which pointed out that those who did not come through Christ Jesus would not come to heaven's gates at all, and would not see Dorothy again. It was a daring presentation but one she had asked the pastor to preach!

The internment was in Faulkton, SD (60 miles away) and after the services, we all went over to see Dorothy's mom in a rest home. Alzheimer's has taken much Maymie's brain and she showed no interest in anyone, but that soon changed in an amazing way. As folks were getting ready to leave, I asked if I could pray with them. They not only agreed, they expressed a real desire for that.

When I began in prayer, Maymie opened her eyes wide and strained forward in her wheelchair turning her good ear toward me. (Nurses say she hasn't done that in two years.) Cousin John came to steady his mother and I continued to pray, asking for the usual blessings, safe journeys, etc. and incorporating the Gospel and an invitation to the Cross. Maymie was now very alert and although she can no longer speak, I sincerely believe she is saved. When John told his mom about Dorothy, she watched him intently, then fell asleep. I don't know if she will remember Dorothy tomorrow, but I feel pretty sure she will remember Jesus... tomorrow and forever.

The events of the day and the content of my prayer led to a number of conversations about Jesus this afternoon and evening... Some folks are thinking seriously of long abandoned faith, others are considering, counting the costs of giving their lives to Jesus. Like Paul, I don't present a cheap Gospel. The goal is to teach and reach people for Christ in a real way, not to lure them into a false commitment or one they do not fully understand. I never press for a decision, but make it clear there will be a day when it is just too late.

I had not really planned to "preach" to my wonderful kinfolk (I have the most delightful family!) I was just planning to Go and BE, but that was silly of me... as a friend in Dothan once said, "You preach everywhere you go... that's why some people feel too uncomfortable to be around you... and that's why they later look you up to hear more!" She was right.

So now, alone with Jesus in my frugal-fancy $35 room, I am praying for those with whom I shared Christ. I am excited that some will be continuing the conversation with me via the internet... hungry for more. It won't be long before the Holy Spirit leads them to the Cross, then on to the very throne of God.

So I am rejoicing tonight as I end this day of sorrows with renewed hope and that wonderful BLESSED ASSURANCE (always loved that old hymn). Tomorrow I will see more relatives. A couple 90+ years old, square-dancing, bike-riding prayer warriors who have served Christ all their lives. We're going to "get down" with Jesus tomorrow, and none of us will ever be the same again... because every time we pray or spend time with God in His Word, He changes us!

NOTE: Have you been reading What Eva? She cracks me up! A perfectly delightful mix of women's wit and wisdom with just a smattering of little girl... and as she wends her way down the straight and narrow, she allows us to share the journey in such an appealing way. I just LOVE Eva!

Tuesday, October 4, 2005

On the Road Again
I begin travel again today... heading for another celebration. I have been celebration Dorothy's life and rejoicing that she no longer suffers, all the while also grieving with others who love (not lovED) her that we will no longer be able to see her, talk and relate to her personally... at least not until we too cross that river into eternal life. I continue in prayer for those who yet don't know Christ.

I will now travel south and west to Las Vegas for two weddings. Nieces getting married, two lovely young ladies about to become one with their new husbands... Vows recited, promises made, miracles as two become one. I love weddings!

Richard and I have reservations at the wedding dinner. Weeks ago we responded to the invitation and even selected the entree we preferred. I am excited about that and will try to drive hard to get there on time. But I am even more excited about another wedding banquet. The Wedding Supper with the Lamb! That great Heavenly celebration as the Bride of Christ (the church, including all true believers) is welcomed into Glory and we shall be thus presented to the throne of God the Father... Oh, what a day that will be!

I have reservations for that, too. Made them long ago, and I don't have to "drive hard" to get there. My invitation was a free gift (GRACE) I didn't have to be somebody, but I had to know somebody... Jesus. And that caused me to be somebody, part of the Bride of Christ.

So easy and He enables every step... If I just can take His advice and let Him take my load. He says His burden is light and He will enable us to carry it. In Matthew 11:28 + 29, He said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

So, I am on my way, will talk with you in a couple of days.

Thursday, October 6, 2005

The Samaritans
I made it to Vegas! On time for the pre-wedding dinner, no, better than that... I was early enough to get some sleep before the dinner. I had an interesting trip, though. Ever in God's classroom, I learned some more little lessons...

My cousin Frank, who has lived in that area almost all his life, warned there would be bad weather, snow even, so we should all leave early Tuesday before it moved in. I checked the weather forecasts on my new laptop, decided Frank was too much the worrier and slept until I woke up. I didn't get out of Aberdeen, SD until after 11 their time, and after driving only an hour, ran into wind, and cold and SNOW!

Lesson #1: Trust one with experience, consider the advice of one who has been that way before you.

I was to run into even more snow in Colorado. I usually like snow, even enjoy driving in it at times... but not his time. The weather had been cold and nasty all across Nebraska and by midnight I saw almost no cars and very few trucks. Just west of Denver, I stopped for gas, but when I was ready to leave, the car wouldn't start. It wouldn't even TRY to start. I checked under the hood and found one battery cable was loose. I carry few tools, but had pliers, so snugged it up real tight and prayed for a jump.

God wasted no time, a wiry little man in an older car pulled in for gas within minutes. My hood and trunk were both open and I knew he saw me. Perhaps he would offer help. I watched him closely, but he kept his eyes down. He had no intention of getting involved.

Well, I figured this guy had to be the answer to my recent prayer for help, so decided not to let him get away. I let him start pumping, then approached him, jumper cables in hand. Seeing me coming, he turned his back to me. He couldn't avoid me by getting in his car because he had to stay at the pump... the automatic stop had been removed from the nozzle so you had to pump by hand.

"Hi, there," I called in my most cheery voice, "Can you give me a jump?" I waved my jumper cables at him and told him my battery cable had been loose. He was shaking his head "no."

"I was praying for someone to come so I wouldn't be stranded here, and I am sure glad to see you... God is always faithful, isn't he?" I ignored his reluctance and kept on talking, following him around his car, telling him I had come from a funeral and was headed to two weddings, rambling on so he wouldn't just get in and drive off. Finally, his hand was on the door latch, I had to press...

"It will only take a minute," I said, silently praying he would agree to help.

In less than three minutes, I was on my way. The reluctant Samaritan finally broke down and smiled when I thanked him and again told him he was an answer to prayer. He even gave me "fatherly advice" to get the car checked as soon as possible because the cable didn't stay tight. I noted that, too. The cable was loose again.

As I drove over Loveland Pass in a beautiful snow storm, but I had some nagging concerns about my battery. I hoped to drive on into Grand Junction to get repairs, but got sleepy and had to stop. I pulled into a truck stop and prayed it would start again when I woke up... but just in case, I backed into the parking spot.

Three hours later, the sun was coming up and I tried the engine. Nothing. Dead as a hammer! Not to worry, I was in front of a cafe full of folks. I opened the hood, grabbed my jumper cables from the trunk and in I went to find a Good Samaritan. I ordered coffee to go and let the patrons and hired help know I needed a jump. No one came forward. Not one. I continued to pray silently. Still nothing.

I decided to head for the fuel islands, but just then a man came into the cafe and walked directly up to me. "Are you looking for a jump?" he asked with a broad grin.

God was at it again! Answering my prayers in the most wonderful ways. I walked around the building with my grinning new friend to find a Farmers Coffee rig pulled up in front of my little car. The two truckers had seen me try to start the car, lift the hood and head off with my cables. They had driven their rig up to my car and come looking for me! They re-tightened my battery cable, cleaned and packed my jumper cables back in their pouch, gave me a can of Farmers coffee and a smile... then backed their rig out of the car parking area and were gone.

The Bible says God waits to be gracious to us. He seeks to bless us. Like God, these two Good Samaritans sought me out to help me! I was thrilled by that!! But then when I was talking that over with my Lord, He brought to mind the fact that the reluctant Good Samaritan had been just as helpful. Hmmm... That is true, and I am thankful for both kinds of helpers, the willing and the not-so-willing, but I felt so much more blessed by the ones who went out of their way to come to my aid.

I wonder how many times I have been a reluctant Samaritan. As I continued to drive, I asked the Lord to bring to mind the times when I helped someone grudgingly... I am ashamed to say, there were such times. Times when I gave or helped out of a sense of obligation and not cheerfully... I hereby publicly repent of such times.

Normally, I love to give, to help, to bless others in any way I can. I usually have a big time doing it. I'm going to keep that can of Farmers coffee as a reminder. I pray that the next time I feel anything less than pure joy in helping or giving, that the Holy Spirit will remind me of that wonderful grinning truck driver and his jolly buddy.

Lesson #2: God loves a cheerful giver!

Well, I got a new battery in Cedar City, Utah. My oldest daughter Stephanie came to Wal-Mart and we visited there while my car was serviced and for a little while longer, then I finished my journey on into Las Vegas... where I charged my batteries with some really deep sleep!

Now, it's time to do that again since the first wedding is in the morning.

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