Gethsemane Days

2023 Autumn March with my beautiful family

In my mind, I am still enjoying Easter. Students, it is the fourth week of Easter and life here in Tennessee is bursting with rebirth. It is also rising from the earth. Have you discovered all of the trees bursting with colorful blooms? Last week we read St. Stephen in Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-15. I identify with St. Stephen. He was just an ordinary person so filled with The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit telling everyone that would listen. I have those days when I just can’t get enough of our wonderful God. I will read hours and study scripture until bedtime.

Lately, life is taking me places that I compromise with my children because I looked around one day and my kids were adults. It seems like all at once they have commitments and agendas. We are working together and I am so grateful that they want me around. I know that this is a treasured time with them and I need to soak up every moment. It’s been tough keeping the St. Stephen glow. Last week's schedule: Monday is my favorite day. It is when friends come to study and pray. Tuesday was a great visit from a high school friend. Ab went to Memphis. Wednesday something went wrong and I thought that it was canceled but I had another friend visit. Thursday I had meetings in the morning and afternoon. Friday was a doctor appointment in Memphis trying to survive the trip on crumbling roads and dipping bridges that tossed me in the air like I was levitating. Remember the Dukes of Hazzard? That would be a perfect description. Saturday we, with the confirmation students worked on the community prayer garden from 9-2 pm. Finally, Sunday and she and I headed to Memphis to a Rhodes choir concert and church with her fiance. Remember what happened to St . Stephen by the third day? That is right, stoned to death. He still had the peace of Christ on his face and asking for forgiveness for his persecutors then commended his Spirit. I was not glowing this morning. Literally feeling stoned by the flurry of activities last week.

Today is the start of the fourth week of Easter. I had to take a Gethsemane day. I slept and prayed all day. Thankful for the children and grandchildren God blessed me with to keep me rolling. So thankful for my church family and pray that God increases us in Faith and number. Help us God to live out our days with the same Spirit until our deaths. Let’s also remember to take time at the feet of our Father allowing Him to refresh our weary souls.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Sal the Levitating Gal

Quote of the Day

I pray because I am helpless. I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because of the need that flows out of me day and night, waking and sleeping.

C. S. Lewis