Hello my sisters, November 21, 2008
Thanksgiving week is a great time to think about the blessings of God in our daily lives. There is so much we can be thankful for. This week I’ve thought a lot about the women who have impacted my life. Women who have taught me with their wisdom, comforted me with their love, encouraged me with their words and strengthened me with their presence. I would not be the woman I am today without these wonderful women.
It occurred to me this week that I can say thank you. I can write a note, make a phone call or visit some of these dear ladies. I can tell them how much I appreciate each of them. I can thank them for who they are, for sharing themselves with me and for guiding my path.
Who has impacted your life? Who has helped you become the woman you are today? Maybe it is a good time to tell her so. During this week of Thanksgiving let us all thank the women who have been a blessing in our lives.
I send my love to each of you.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (November 14, 2008)
What if we could read our own life story from God’s perspective? What if we could know the impact our lives will have on the next generations? What if we could see in print how God has orchestrated the important events of our lives to fulfill His purpose?
We can see such a story in the bible. Ruth was a Moabite woman who loved and married an Israelite man. He died before they could have children, and she was once again alone. When her mother-in-law decided to leave Moab and return to Israel, Ruth chose to go with her. More importantly, she committed her life to worshipping and trusting in the one true God. God’s guidance in her life is evident to us as we read her story. Even as she toiled in the fields under the hot sun God was working things out for her. He was preparing her to be the wife of Boaz, mother of Obed and great grandmother of King David. She was to be part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
In Psalm 34 I read how God is always with us. He delivers us, protects us, teaches us and hears our prayers. He did this for Ruth and He will do it for you and me.
May your life story be rich with the blessings of God.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (November 7, 2008)
We are in tough economic times in our country. All of us are affected as the costs of daily life continue to rise. If your income goes down at the same time, as mine has, things get even more challenging. Our family business has seen a significant drop in orders.
I must confess that I have been quite unsettled by this turn of events. I became afraid of what the future might hold for my husband and me. My mind created terrible scenarios, including being homeless and destitute.
In the bible God tells us He does not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I needed to find a way to change my way of thinking. I thought about Philippians 4 where God tells us to be anxious about nothing. He even shows us how. We are to pray with a thankful heart. He says He will give us His peace.
This, then, was my answer. I began writing down what I was thankful for each day. I started looking for the blessing of God in my daily life. Sometimes the gifts were physical in nature. Often He comforted and encouraged me through friends and family. He brought joy and laughter each time I played with my grandchildren. I found that God provided exactly what I needed every day.
I have been writing in my gratitude journal for only a week. It has made a tremendous difference in my state of mind. God has given me His peace. What I realized, once again, is that our God is a loving Father. He blesses each of us ever day in many ways. I can live in fear or in gratitude. It is my choice.
I wish each of you many blessings this week in every part of your lives, my sisters.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (October 31, 2008)
My dad has a small orchard on his property. In this orchard is a lovely little plum tree that was heavily laden with fruit this year. The branches seemed to sag as the fruit matured and grew heavier and heavier. Anticipation of the harvest increased as the days became shorter and the nights colder. The day finally came when he could pick the plums and start eating them. There was so much fruit that my parents canned and dried boxes of plums to be enjoyed throughout this winter. I learned a lesson from this little plum tree that I’d like to share with you.
The fruit of this bountiful tree was not for the benefit of the tree. Rather it was a blessing to those who picked the fruit. In the same way the spiritual fruit we bear in our lives is not for our benefit. Our lives are to be a blessing to those around us. The fruits of God’s holy spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control. What would happen if we produced all of these fruits in abundance? How would the lives of those we love be impacted? Who would be blessed? How could God use us? I’d like to find out, wouldn’t you?
Let us all grow in the fruits of the spirit during this coming year. Let us be a wonderful blessing those we love.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, October 3, 2008
At this time of year we anticipate the future. We look forward to Christ’s return in power and glory. Our hearts long for the day when Christ will resurrect all those who “sleep in Jesus” spoken about in I Thessalonians 4. Knowing we will see our loved ones again brings us comfort. Understanding that this mortal life is not all there is brings us peace. Reading about God’s plans for us in His Kingdom brings us joy. We do not know when Christ will return, but we know that He will. He has given us His word, His promise, and we can believe Him.
We live our lives knowing these truths. Each day is precious, for it is a gift from God. There are lessons to learn and people to love. Let us live a life of joy, peace and love. We have much to be thankful for.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters,
Being a sister is not as simple as it appears to be. It is so much more than having the same parents and growing up in the same home. Sometimes things happen that can fracture a family, shattering the bonds that it needs to hold it together. This is the case in my family.
It has been many years since I’ve seen my brother. I have had no desire to see him or speak to him. He did not exist to me. Yet at every family gathering there was a hole, a space only he could fill. My mother’s aching heart longed for our family to be whole again. She loves each of us.
This week an early morning phone call came that changed everything for me. My brother’s partner of 15 years had died that morning. He was asleep beside her when he heard her struggling to breathe. He couldn’t save her nor could the paramedics who responded to his call. His whole world came crashing down on him and he reached out to his family. Within minutes of hearing the news I was on the phone with him. All the barriers I had erected tumbled down. I will walk beside him in his time of grief. I will be with him at the funeral. I will be part of his life from now on.
You see, I am his sister.
Nancy Corbett
September 16, 2008
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Hello my sisters, (September 19, 2008)
I am unable to write a normal note to you today. There were two deaths in my family this week and it has turned my world upside down for a bit. I hold fast to the promises of God and am comforted by His love and mercy. My hope now is to comfort those I love.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (September 12, 2008)
Have you thought recently about what a gift prayer is? How special it is to be able to talk directly to the God of the universe? At any time day or night we can bow our heads and speak to Him. We are told that He cares, that He loves us, and that He knows us. I was really struck by this recently.
I was in the middle of the store, shopping, when my cell phone rang. My daughter’s tearful voice stopped me in my tracks. Her friend was on the way to the hospital and she was asking me to pray for her—right now. I found a quiet corner of the store, bowed my head, and came before my Father in heaven. I explained that two baby boys and their mom needed His help. It is too early for them to be born. We needed Him to keep them all safe. He is the giver of life, He is their Father too. I’m happy to tell you this mom is home again and the babies continue to grow inside her.
We recognize our need for God the most when are helpless. We turn to Him and ask for a miracle. We do not know how He will answer our prayer but we can be certain that He hears us and listens to our request. This is such an amazing blessing. Each of us can pray for those we care about. We can ask Him for a miracle. We can trust Him. We can believe in His love for all people.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (September 5, 2008)
My husband and I live in a small town in western Montana on two acres of land surrounded by forest. At the edge of the forest grows a terrible weed called knapweed. Sometimes I fear this weed threatens to take over our entire state. All of the locals are strongly encouraged to get rid of it on their own property to prevent that from happening.
So, there I was, with leather gloves on my hands, doing my part. I had declared war on these pesky weeds that had been mocking me with their purple flowers. I was in a race against time, since they would soon go to seed. Eradicating them seemed like an impossible task as I faced them day after day.
Since I needed something to think about as I worked, I began searching for lessons that could be learned. I will share my musings with you.
Our personal sins are much like the terrible knapweed. They are actually quite evident if we just look for them. They don’t go away unless we confront them. Then we must determine to get rid of them using whatever means necessary. It’s worth the effort in the end.
With the knapweed gone, the native grasses and flowers can grow more easily. Without our sins, godly character can also grow more easily. God tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. We have our part in this process – and that includes removing sin from our lives. What an amazing journey this life is.
You sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (August 29, 2008)
For the most part I’m enjoying my fifties. I have my health and enough energy to be active. My perception of the world and the people in it has been tempered by my years and experiences. I’ve even made peace with my wrinkled face and sagging body.
That said, I do have an issue with this aging process. What is it with these chin hairs? I don’t get it? How can I not see them till they are a half inch long? I well remember my grandmother’s chin whiskers. It is just so shocking to have it happen to me!
I suppose humor and laughter are the only way to deal with this situation. That and a good pair of tweezers. If only all of our imperfections were so easy to remove. It is obvious to me that physical perfection is not the end result of our years lived.
I believe we become more beautiful as women as the years pass. It is not because of the outward shell but rather the depth of goodness, love, peace, joy and gentleness that shines from within. Some of the most beautiful women I’ve known have been in their 80’s, 90’s and 100’s. May we all grow more beautiful as women of faith as we live, learn and grow in this way of life.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (August 22, 2008)
For each of us there are moments in time that are burned into our memory. There are events of a single day that change the course of our lives. August 18, 2007 was such a day for me and my family.
That’s the day a call came that told us our 29 year old son, Jesse, had been in a terrible motorcycle accident and was being taken by helicopter to the hospital. He had come off his bike and then been run over by another motorcycle. It was bad...very bad. His leg was badly broken and the surgeon didn’t know if he could even save his foot. Our son endured surgery after surgery and pain beyond description. Then infections set in that threatened to take his very life.
My girlfriends, my sisters in Christ, held me up during those traumatic months. People I didn’t even know were praying for us. God heard and answered their prayers.
Today my son still has his foot. He can even hike with his baby girl in a backpack on his back. He can play chase with his boys in the yard. He and his wife are extremely close. His life is filled with joy and laughter, and so is mine. This morning, as I sit and remember, I’m filled with gratitude for God’s goodness. God does carry us through the darkest of times.
If you, my sister, are walking through your own dark time, know that it is not forever. God will never leave you or forsake you. Your sisters will stand beside you. Someday your heart will dance again.
Much love to each of you.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (August 15, 2008)
Psalms 57:1 says, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.”
These words comfort me this morning. I’m reminded of the sureness of God’s mercy and love. My heart, mind and soul are safe in His care. God truly can and does protect each of us, even during those times that are so difficult. When we are most weak we come under the shadow of His wings for protection and comfort.
We are never alone in this life. We are not expected to face any trial or calamity on our own. We can always cry out to God, asking for His mercy, His comfort and His protection. He has been there for us so many times in the past, and He is with us today. We can trust Him. We can believe all that He says to us.
I’m resting beside you in His care.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (August 8, 2008)
A dear friend of mine is nearing her 90th birthday. As we were getting ready to go out to lunch the other day, she said, “Nancy, appreciate all that you have.” I have heard words like this before, but never in this context. My friend has Alzheimer’s. This disease is stealing her memory, her ability to live independently, her ability to serve God and His people.
She was telling me to appreciate my mind and all that I can still do. I know my children’s names. I can recognize my grandchildren. Photographs bring back special memories. I have the pleasure of living in my own home, cooking my own meals and driving where I want to go.
Most precious of all is the ability to remember all that God has done in my life. He has led me, protected me and blessed me throughout this journey. I can read His words to me in my bible, understand them and remember them throughout the day. I can pray to Him then see the answers because I can remember what I asked for. I can serve Him with my heart, mind and soul.
Ah, my sweet sisters, appreciate all that you have. Enjoy your mind and your memories. You are truly blessed.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (August 1, 2008)
One of the joys in my life is watching birds. I love their uniqueness, their beauty, their resourcefulness and their playfulness.
Recently I was on a hike with my husband in Glacier Park. During a quiet time of rest by a waterfall I noticed one of my favorite birds—a Dipper. She is a funny little bird that is constantly “bobbing” up and down, hence the name. She flies into the water and walks along the bottom of the river to find her food. She then comes to the surface to enjoy her snack. This day, though, was different. Instead of coming up and eating her little bugs, she flew to a mossy overhang. After she left, I crept up to the overhang—being careful not to fall into the river and then over the waterfall!
I saw the most hilarious little baby birds. They had gray fuzz coming straight off the top of their heads. When I wiggled a finger in front of them their little beaks opened wide in anticipation of food. They made me laugh.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. It is so important to pause in our very busy lives and notice what is happening right around us. If something intrigues us, maybe even go in for a closer look. We might just see something that brings us joy and laughter. It is what happens during those precious moments that can keep our lives in balance.
I wish each of you much joy in your very busy lives.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (July 25, 2007)
We know from scripture that peace is a gift from God. We know it is a fruit of His spirit. Why, then, does it seem so out of reach? Why is it in such short supply in our lives?
In the past, I have thought that other things, other stressors, needed to be absent in order to have peace. Recently I’ve learned a very simple truth. Peace is available to us at all times. It comes when we pause and notice the beauty around us. It comes when we become quiet within ourselves and listen to children laughing. It comes when we think about God’s promises and His love for us. It comes when we notice a flower blooming and actually stop to smell and touch it. It comes when we stroke the face of someone we love.
There is something wonderful about enjoying the present moment, thanking God for it, and basking in His peace. You realize He is always with us. His spirit is within us and His peace surrounds us. Sometimes we just need to pause and notice the evidence of His love for us.
May you find moments of peace in your very busy lives.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett
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Hello my sisters, (July 18, 2007)
Recently I had the privilege of spending a week with my youngest sister, Lydia. Her husband needed open heart surgery. During this time I was reminded of how much the little things matter. Sometimes it’s enough just to be present with a sister in her time of need. It’s important to be peaceful and calm when she is not. It’s important that our faith is strong and we are close to God. During these trying times we need His source of strength and courage. We can only share what we ourselves possess.
Christ tells us He is the vine, we are the branches – and if we draw close to Him we will bear much fruit. What a blessing it is to share these wonderful fruits with our sisters in their time of need.
I hope you all have a sister to sit beside you whenever you need her.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy Corbett