God can move you to do the impossible.

In life we will be presented with obstacles that we feel we cant get over or get through but the Lord said with him all things are possible. When we begin to focus on exactly that and what God is able to do we will be amazed at how he can turn those impossibilities and into possibilities. God can transform you into the person you never thought you could see yourself becoming. Many love taking credit for situations and things but the truth is had it not been for God you would not be able to do much of anything let alone have what you have. This is why we must remain humble and grateful to God for every blessing. I am a witness to the fact that God has done some transforming in my life. I dont profess to be perfect other than in Christ Jesus but I can give testimony that he has brought about changes in me. I look at things so differently than I use to. I handle situations in a manner unlike I once did. Some may say I over think some situations before diving in head first but isnt that what God says we should do. We are to be discerning and to test spirits first. If it feels wrong then more than likely it is. A sure fire way in handling a situation is to go to the Word. What does God say? Is your approach in rectifying things in line with the word or are you handling it your way? We should not let our thoughts or the world's views the matter mandate how we should handle a situation. God has a plan and life will present tests just to see how you handle them. Will you trust God or are you own logic?

I remember when my Dad passed a week before Christmas. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to rap myself around, figure out how to go forward, and what to do next. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I knew with God all things were possible. He can help you get through the inconceivable. God is who keeps me going and knowing what his word says. My daddy was a tough cookie but that was because he loved me and I loved him more. I dont believe in my heart that he was without knowing that God was real and Jesus provided help. I remember giving him a cross and telling him that things would not always be this way and God was going to make it better. I was bold enough to say this because of God. Daddy kept that cross with him because when he would switch hospitals or go to rehab that cross would always be on the table beside his bed, thank you Jesus. The last time I spent with my father at my parents home he had it on his bedside table. I will never forget two things; when he called on Jesus at Temple Hospital and when he picked it up and layed it across his lap and looked at it that final day I spent with him at the home he shared with my mom for over 4 decades. I sensed things would be taking a turn when I saw this but I continued to trust God. I say all this to get to this final point about impossibilities turning into possibilities.

It was the day of my Dad's homegoing service which was two days after Christmas. As I sat by my mom's side listening to the service there was a call for persons to come to the stage to share something about my dad. I immediately knew I wanted to, truth be told the thought didnt just pop in my head right then and there. Days leading up to the 27th of December I wondered if I could ever get the nerve to speak. I often thought it might not be a good idea because I am going to be to emotional and embarrass myself on stage in a blob of tears but when she called for volunteers I said there is no way I cannot go up. I know the scripture says "with God all things are possible" so I kept that at the forefront of my mind and reached over and asked my youngest daughter if she would walk up with me and she did. I remember being up there and keeping my eyes and mind focused on God and I spoke. At first I kept my head down and off the crowd because I didnt think I could lift it but then the more I spoke the more confidence God gave me and I remember speaking from his word, about my Dad, and then to my mother and at that point my head was completely upright looking across the crowd. As I left the stage I gave God the glory for what he had done for me. I would not have been able to do it apart from him. I say all this to say trust God for the impossible then give him the glory for turning your impossibilities into possibilities.

The beginning of my memory garden for dad

Dad's Obituary

Here is the poem I wrote for the inside of my Dad's Obituary:

To my Family

No more pain, no more sorrow
no more worrying about tomorrow
Heaven is my home.

I fought as hard as I could,
my family I did not want to leave,
but God said enough is enough
and my soul he did receive.

I will miss my beautiful wife
who I've loved for 53 years,
you did all you could so baby no more tears.

My daughter and grandchildren,
I love you with all my heart.
Let not your spirit be too heavy,
I will always be with you right in your heart.

To my buddies,
who cared about me til the end,
it was a joy to spend time with you
and call each of you a friend.

Although my address has now changed
and we no longer share physical space,
don't feel bad about this because
I am in a better place.

Just hold on to your memories of me,
they will keep me near and continue
to live and I will see you when you get here.

Chuck.....

written by his daughter,
Sherri C. Walker

Turning Tears and Pain into Love and Affection

Turning Tears and Pain into love and affection is how Etel Feldman put it and she is right. I didn't even think of phrasing it that way before she said it. I needed to find a way to pour my feelings into a cause that would not only honor my dad but keep me going and every little step I take toward fulfilling what I started brings me joy. I miss my dad so much and I just couldn't see letting it all end when he left us. He is gone in the physical sense but it wasn't the end of his life just the end of his existence on earth. Yes, I still wish I could see and talk to him, hug him, kiss him and tell him I love him. I may no longer be able to do these things but I can let my love for him shine through what I do in his memory. My love for him continues through this ministry. He loved us to the end and vice versa. This is a ministry of caring motivated by love. So with the love that he showed me I will show to another. I have always had the capability to love others because God is love and God is in me. He teaches us how to love one another and because he is in us it can come forth if we allow it to. With that same love God has instilled in me I am taking it a step further with this ministry in honor of my dad. I love you Dad. XOXOXOXO

The American Flag project

I am now attempting to crochet an American flag in memory of my Dad who was a U.S. Air Force man. I may have to duplicate this project because I want to keep one for myself to be a part of the memory garden I desire to make in front of my home in his memory and the other I want to donate to the hospital in his memory. Maybe it can be held aside for someone who too served our country. I have returned to my love of crocheting for a good cause. It helps me in my healing process and keeps me connecting in another way to my father. Yes, me being his daughter will always be our connection but doing things in his honor helps me move forward a little easier and keeps his memory alive. Enjoy your day all.

Sherri

Grieve in your own way and at your own pace.

Losing someone you love is a hard thing to deal with whether expected or unexpected. There is no protocol on how one should grieve. Never let anyone make you feel bad during your grieving process. Everyone is different and handles things in their own way. Who are we to be disrespectful toward another because we feel that they should handle their loss in a manner different then we would or have? It is ok to cry be it a day, month, year, or decade from now, no one knows exactly how you feel inside in dealing with your loss. They may have an idea or can even relate to your pain but you still are not the same individuals and have different ways of dealing with different circumstances. Some will try to make others feel ashamed to want to keep the memory of their loved one alive. Let it go they may say, who gives them the right to put a timeline on your healing? To remember the good times brings laughter and joy to the spirit. True, some can't deal with talking about and seeing their loved ones in pictures too much because it brings back the hurt and pain of them once being viable, others feel just the opposite, talking about the loved one they are missing and having pictures around make them continue to feel close to them hence the phrase out of sight out of mind. Others start scholarship funds and create memorials and charities in memory of their loved ones to keep their name out there as well as the memories of who they were and what their lives entailed. No matter how you personally choose to grieve, do it, pay not attention to those who frown upon how you a coping with and trying to move forward with your life after your heart has experienced loss. You do what you need to do and be not ashamed of your choice to do so. This is a part of your healing process. Don't be embarrassed to cry and let those emotions free. Prayer changes things. Talk to God about what you are feeling and ask him to give you peace because truthfully speaking He is the only one who can give you real peace in your spirit during a time such as this. Don't try to do it apart from him because it will only be temporary. Be patient with yourself during your healing process and be at peace, your are doing nothing wrong.

God Bless,
Sherri