Sunday, November 17, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday to you all! What a wonderful day! All is splendid at 811. I worshiped at Rush Creek led by our youth today. Their presentations were about how God worked through them in their mission trips. They were amazed at what they could do when powered by the Holy Spirit. They helped so many people and discovered that as they went be a blessing to others, it was they who received the blessing and were forever changed by the power of God within themselves. I then worship with my family at Advent. I was asked to sing with the praise team a wonderful spiritual titled, Witness. I sang this piece in my senior journey at UNT ( a very, VERY long time ago). It was wonderful to worship with family and longtime friends today. Next, my children prepared a wonderful birthday lunch and invited treasured friends to dine at our table. I prepared the table and Geni, Cody, Travis and Tammy prepared the meal. It was such a wonderful time of excellent food, great stories and lots of laughter. We had such a great time.  Thank you my dear, dear family for a wonderful birthday. God is good and the love of God wins!

Lord, I can never give you enough thanks for family and friends. These are wonderful people who love you and know of your love for them. What a joy it is that you have blessed me with the family you gave me to raise, the husband you gave me to love and the friends who are family by choice. Thank you that you are present at the table when we gather and your joyful presence is displayed in the smiles, laughter and love. And Lord, you know I have only a small window of time to accomplish a great deal of work.  I ask you to help me be clear thinking, that technology not fail and that the work that I produce is guided by your hand and to be found faithful.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

One of the character flaws I have tried to deal with all of my life is that I would never be good enough or smart of enough. I have always worked hard and done what I believe to be my best, but never believed I could ever be as smart as others (especially in seminary).  I think the failed paper at the beginning of this semester shook me a bit. What I have discovered is that I needed God’s help which was graciously provided through a pastor friend and the professor who spent time with me re-explaining the parts of the paper and helping me write the thesis statement. When I went back and re-read what the professor gave us in class I understood. Praise God!

  You know I trusted God for my salvation.  When I received salvation from God I was covered with righteousness making me worthy of dwelling with God for all eternity. Believing in God and trusting in Divine provision through faith assures me that God has always been with me, loved me and found me worthy to be His child and with God’s help will accomplish what God wants to accomplish in me and maybe what Brite Seminary does too.

 “Lord, who can dwell in Your tent? Who can live on Your holy mountain?...Such people will stand firm forever”
Psalm 15: 1, 5

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Saturday, November 16, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Saturday! All is well at 811. Bruce and I worked around the house today. The work really tired Bruce and so he has rested from about mid-afternoon on.

Prayer alert! I am asking prayer for our oldest and dearest friends Carme and Dave Russell. Dave is suffering from a severe infection and is in the hospital in San Antonio. Please lift him in prayer. Thank you so much.

Lord, thank you for the privilege of worshiping you in so many ways. Thank you especially for the gift of music and singing.  Lord, may we honor your name in our worship and sing your praises from the depths of our soul. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen

“But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth…like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.”

Malachi 4: 2

The title of my meditation tonight is WORSHIP.  God is worthy of all worship and praise. Those who worship and adore God find healing in his wings. Music for me is very healing. Singing soothes my soul and also makes it soar. Bruce and I discovered we could sing together the first day we met and we began singing together that very night.  We attended a Sunday School Class dinner and some ladies heard us sing. The next day I received a phone call from one of the ladies to come and sing at a gathering and our concert ministry was launched. We have always sung Christian music and held the name of God as sacred word.

When we honor the name of God we are privileged to the promises of God and find healing in the intimacy in the Presence of God. Intimate worship of God can be found in prayer, in reading scripture, hearing the word preached or lifting our hands in worship and praise.  I think as important as an intimate worship of God is telling someone else about the One we worship. When we share God with someone else then we invite them to become worshipers too who can learn to honor the name of God.

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

 

 

Friday, November 15, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

TGIF Today God is First on Friday!  All is well at 811. Bruce had some sort of participation in a music group today at the Center. I am not sure exactly what he does, but there is a family conference coming up in a week and I am going to find out. I will support anything that will help him find his singing voice again. Currently he sings the blessing at each meal we are together and “Happy Birthday.” I think some frustration is beginning to happen because tonight he expressed that he felt he was going to be this way forever.  So if you have an extra prayer, say it for him to try and celebrate the victories and the progress he has made and to not become road blocked when his language does not come out as he would like.  Thanks. God is good and love wins. 

God, tonight I ask you to send encouragement to Bruce. I know you have not forgotten him because so many of us lift his name each day. Help him to not become discouraged and to continue to push through this time and expectantly believe that his brain and abilities will be restored.  You live in eternity Lord, and we your children live on earthly time and it is difficult for us to wait. I know this waiting and working is not in vain. You will do more that I can ask or expect. Thank you Lord for your provision that helps us rejoice in all things. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Waiting is one of the toughest things we do here on earth. I think waiting on the Lord to work on our schedule is particularly difficult for us. We get weary and our hope might begin to fade. Do we ever think, “Why isn’t God working on this? or Why is this taking so long? and my personal favorite, Why aren’t You answering my prayers NOW?!” Faith is a gift from God, but trust is something that has to be worked on and renewed everyday. When we learn to trust God in EVERY circumstance then the desires of our hearts are received in joy to our Savior and the power and faithfulness of God will not be returned in discouragement, but in ways that we never thought possible giving us cause to rejoice.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs. I’m so full of answered prayers.”

Psalm 13: 5-6

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Thursday, November 14, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Thursday! It has been a wonderful day here at 811.  Birthday greetings from many friends and family on FB.  Dinner with Bruce and Geni and a song to begin my day. This morning Bruce sang Happy birthday to me and sang my name. It was a holy moment. In four months he has said my name once and today sang my name. I was witness to a miracle and the recipient of one. I managed to cry my way through today, but they were tears of joy and thanksgiving.

 Dear Lord, thank you for your loving kindness and gifts of grace so generously given. Your timing is always perfect. I praise you and thank you for your marvelous comfort and hope. Help me to encourage others and share your presence and assurance when others are hurting.   I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

 Tonight the title of my meditation is Teardrops. How appropriate for today. I was given a gift of such wonderful sweetness that the tears of joy and thanksgiving flowed throughout the day. The meditation tonight reminded me that God has not allowed one of my tears to drop to the ground. God has caught them all and made them into something beautiful. My tears of joy and thanksgiving today were born out of grief. They are a sign that God knows fully all that I have been through and is using all of this for training to comfort others who are going through similar situations. I know what it is to hurt as others have hurt and fear as they have feared. I want to help people who have been similar situations that they can live through and live on and be comforted as I have been comforted. My tears and hurts are transforming me for opportunities for ministry. So I praise God for the miracles I have witnessed and those I have received and I pray that I will be able to help others be comforted because of the wisdom and kindness given to me by our merciful and loving God.

“They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.”

Psalm 126: 6

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Wednesday, November 13, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Wednesday!  All continues well at 811. I spoke with our family member today. Other than being very sore is doing well. Please continue to pray for healing and a peaceful spirit. Thank you. And…I think I have finished the first of the last papers. This is the paper that will replace the epic failed paper from earlier in the semester. Please pray that this one passes. I have learned a lot and I know this paper is far better than the other one. But please pray anyway.  Thank you!!

Lord, I want to know you more. Teach me your ways. Thank you that when I seek you, I find you and everything I need and all that my heart desires. You are and always will be my perfect Defender. I praise you for covering me with your wisdom, strength, and love. May you be exalted forever!  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

I am on the last days of pursing the Master’s of Divinity Degree began in the fall of 2007. Yes, I have worked really hard, read many books, written many papers, assisted in worship in chapel, sat many hours in classrooms and received instruction from brilliant theologians. I have enjoyed every minute of this time and I will miss many things about my time in seminary.  For someone who will turn 58 tomorrow achieving this degree is a huge accomplishment!  What I hope I have done in all of this time and work is that I have not just pursued this degree, but that I have pursued God.  When we pursue God we receive joy and fulfillment that is far greater than the diploma given that affirms that I have filled all of the requirements necessary to hold a Master’s of Divinity. Pursuing God gives me a firm place to stand while filling my life with the presence, love and purpose of God. So my friends let us seek God with all of our hearts and I know that when we are surrounded with the love of God, wisdom and strength for each task will be available to us.  Counting it down my friends.

 

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Psalm 9: 10

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes, a put an extra blanket on the bed tonight and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Tuesday, November 12, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday! All is well at 811. Bruce has taken the air conditioner out of our window and the heater is going. This will be our first winter without our heated waterbed. We have plenty of blankets and so we will see how warm we will stay. Today I sang my last special piece of music in Brite Chapel. I was accompanied by two extraordinary musicians on flute and piano. I sang, “A Simple Song”  from the Bernstein Mass.  As excited as I am to graduate, I am also mildly terrified and sad to be leaving Brite Seminary. I have enjoyed every moment of my time at Brite. I have made many, many lifelong friends and have learned more than I could have ever imagined. I have received instruction from the finest theological minds who not only teach what they know, but teach through the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus name.  I have one class day left, two papers, one test paper and one in class exam. The countdown has begun. Thank you all for your prayers over the years and hang in there with me just a bit longer. God is good and love wins.

God, thank you for teaching me about your healing and forgiveness. It is my desire to walk in loving reverence for you.  There have been lots of times in the last few years that I have faced really tough situations. In all of the sadness and times of great joy you have brought great comfort and been a reminder of how faithful you are. I trust you God and on you I can always depend. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

A member of my family has had some recent serious health issues.  You have been praying for this yet unnamed person and your prayers have made all the difference.  Our beloved is doing well. Tragedy strikes and there are times we are placed in positions where we have to be the strong one. It usually happens when we feel we have been kicked in the gut with a Number 12 boot.  We try to be brave, but all we really want to do is cry. When those times happen let us go to God and be honest about how we feel when we are feeling really weak. It is our daily trust in God that makes us strong and nothing we do on our own.  Let us find ways to let God be strong for us. Scripture, prayer and daily writing work for me. What works for you?

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem; the LORD surrounds his people now and forever.”

Psalm 125: 1

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes, throw an extra blanket or two in the bed and get some sleep. Love you all Bruce and Gaylene

Monday, November 11, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Monday!  All is well at 811. It has been a long day with a wonderful outcome.  Thank you all for your continuous prayers and gracious thoughts. Please continue to keep each of us in your prayers. Thank you. God is good and love wins.

Dear God, I raise my highest praise to you for all you are and all you do. I thank you for the miracles you bring and allow me to witness. When I stop and remember all of the good things you have done I am sure I don’t remember them all, but I try to always remember your goodness.  Today I give thanks for your gifts of goodness and life and am humbly awed in your loving presence. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Today many of us gathered together approaching God in faith through prayer.  We were earnestly seeking God to be present with us throughout the day. God so loves it when we come to Him in faith and belief in His presence and then leave God to do the work that only God can do. God does not expect perfection from us but rejoices in the search.  As we continue to grow in our relationship with our Creator God the more our desires line up with the content of God’s heart. When we are going through difficult times God pours out upon us His tender, overflowing love. All we have to do is receive the love given and let the balm of comfort and grace wash over us bringing the healing and peace we desire.

 And you will seek Me, and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29: 13

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes, throw an extra blanket on the bed and get some sleep.  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Sunday, November 10, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday to you all!  All is well at 811. Please continue to keep our family and extended family in prayer to night and into tomorrow. Thank you, mighty and faithful prayer warriors. God is good and love wins.

 

Lord, I praise you for your holy loving ways. Thank you that I can always count on you. Thank you for providing for me. Your grace is sufficient for all our needs and your healing is always complete.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Bruce and Gaylene

 

God challenges us to do many things in this life. Some of the tasks are wonderful and some of the tasks will be accomplished through taking steps of faith.  The way we accomplish those things asked of us is by beginning our day in quiet devotion to God. Right now my life is full to overflowing and I must admit that I do not have my daily devotion before having coffee or even getting dressed. But when I have gotten to work or to the seminary I take time before I begin to teach the children or the professor come into the classroom I stop and have a quiet scripture time, brief devotion and an unobtrusive prayer time.  It only takes a few minutes, but it helps my day begin well and the day seems to go smoother. Here is the thing…God will meet me wherever I am and whatever I am doing. The one consuming desire God has is for us to know Him better.  Spending time with God is the best use of my time I have all day and makes the remainder of my day have new meaning and a little less stressful. A

 

“You answer us in amazing ways, God our savior. People everywhere in the earth and the sea trust you.”

Psalm 65: 5-6

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Saturday, November 9, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Saturday!  All is well at 811. Our day began with breakfast with Geni and Travis. Pecan pancakes and two kinds of sausage.  It was a great way to begin the day. After Saturday errands, the paper writing began!  I am better than halfway finished and the plan is to finish tomorrow.  Please continue to pray for our family including our extended family. Thank you. God is good and love wins!  And Frogs Win! Frogs Win!!

 Lord, You set the heavens in place and know every star that shines. Yet you also know the slightest details of my life, the places where there are cracks in my soul that need mending and I praise you for your care. God, help me keep my eyes on you. I praise you that nothing is ever difficult for you and that you use everything for my good and your glory.  Thank you for the gift of family. When difficult times are upon us our families of birth and our families of choice are there caring, supporting, praying and loving us with unconditional love just as you have taught. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

 The events of the past week have taken their toll on my concentration. It has been difficult at times even to pray and really difficult to try to begin my final writings for the semester. So today as Bruce and I were returning from the Saturday grocery store run I got tired of feeling broken. I asked Bruce to pray for me and for Satan to be removed from my brokenness and for God to take over. Everything changes when set your focus on God. Focus on God causes us to filter every situation through the knowledge we have of him.  There is no problem too hard for God and every circumstance can be used for our good and his glory because nothing is impossible for God. I stopped focusing on the paper writing and the family situation and began to think about God. Not how God was going to work this out or take care of things. Just think about God. I knew then that God had not moved, but my focus had.  I stopped thinking about the brokeness I was feeling, that we had eaten leftovers for two meals today and how I was afraid to write this paper. So I sat down and began to write discovering that I think I understood what to do, joyfully ate leftovers twice and surrendered the situation over to the One who holds us all in the palm of His hand.  All is well at 811.

 “I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven…Show us favor.”

Psalm 123: 1, 3

 Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep.  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Friday, November 8, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

TGIF Today God is First!  And all is well at 811.

Loving God, You know what our family is facing and we are counting on seeing your power in the lives of this family. We believe that your glory will shine through each step we take. `We are in awe of your awesome love and thank you now for the healing that will take place. We thank you for your awesome power in which we place our trust and give us hope. We love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

 I love the stories of the Old Testament. In a Bible Study I attended once we were talking about the Temple. Placed deep within the Temple in the Most Holy Place is the chest called the ark of the Testimony where God would meet with the high priest.  The glory of God would appear above the chest. On the top of the chest are two carved cherubim. Their wings spanning the chest and the empty space between the wings is the mercy seat of God. The power of God is found in many ways and in many places. But in this particular space the power of God does not divide oceans or cause pillars of fire to form. No, in this space is found the merciful heart of God who only spoke to one person, the high priest.

We do not have to kneel before a chest of gold to find the heart of God and receive God’s mercy. The power of God is available to each of us when we meet with God in prayer telling him that we are in need of his gracious mercy. Our relationship with God has been developed from the promises of Holy Scripture, remembering how we were able to successfully cope in past through difficult times through God’s tender mercies. God’s glory has shined on difficult days will shine above all of our situations as a reminder that the Presence of our merciful, gracious God is unfailing and ever present. It is in this great mercy we are given hope and healing. God is good and love wins!


From above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the Testimony, I will speak intimately with you.”

Exodus 25: 22

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Thursday, November 7, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Thursday! There are members of my family that are in need of prayer tonight. Since their stories are not mine to tell I simply ask that you to pray God’s Presence be with all of us granting each of us peace, comfort, assurance and tender mercies. Thank you. God is good and love wins.

Lord, I ask that you fill the eyes of our family with only good things and permeate our thoughts with only you. I pray you help us to focus on you now and always. I praise you that nothing is ever too difficult for you and that you see everything for good and to your glory. You have set the heavens in place and know every star that shines and yet you know every detail of our lives. I praise you for your care and in an almost breathless whisper stand in awe that of all the plans in your command you chose to live in each of us. We are a family of faith. You know the desires of our hearts and the prayers we will pray even before we bow our knees and lift our eyes toward heaven. You love for us is everlasting and we praise your wonderful name. We love you Lord and place our hope and trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Unto you I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. We will keep looking to you, O LORD our God.”

Psalm 123: 1-2

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Wednesday!  All is well at 811. I have been fully re-vested into Burton Hill. Today I was given an email address,a key, a “box”  for mail and a parking space. However someone parked in my space and I was “out on the street” again. No prob, I could always use the walk.

Lord, thank you for all the ways I know that I know you love me with an everlasting love. Please forgive me for doubting myself when you are there for me to trust. With all of the things on my plate and the deadlines to meet help me not to fret, but be transformed by the hope I place in you. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tonight the title of my meditation is “Abiding in Him.” “I AM YOUR STRENGHT AND YOUR SHIELD.” When we place our trust in God, remembering the strength and shielding protection given as a gift, we are helped. Worry goes away and we connect with God through trust.  Worry is a place of darkness. I really do not like the dark. I have a scent warmer on my dresser that I just leave on all the time. At night when I turn out the lamp the last thing I see is the light from the warmer. And it makes me smile. Scripture tells us that whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness and will always have the light of Christ. Trying to find the light in the midst of difficult, devastating situations is one of the ways we come closer to God. Another way to come closer to God is to find a way to give thanks in every situation. I don’t think we are meant to give thanks for the situation, but to find a way to express thankfulness. Some people sing, or paint, or write, or pray, remember how much they are loved and give thanks. There is a different way to express thankfulness as there are people giving thanks. I think the first one I think of is remembering the claim by Corrie Ten Boom, “No pit is so deep that His love is not deeper still.” Jesus understands suffering better than anyone and promises to be with us no matter how dire the circumstances or rocky the path. God is so very good and God’s love wins! 

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

Psalm 28:7

Take joy in the journey giving thanks for strength for the day and remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene


 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is well at 811.

Dear God, It has been quite a day. God, you know all things. Please help me understand your Word and your will for me. Encourage me according to my deepest need. Thank you Lord, for having a name I can call on for everything I need. I love you Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen

God has many names. When we need God’s healing touch we can call on Jehovah-Rapha, “the Lord your healer.”   When we place our trust in the healing God the answer we receive in return is peace. Trust is a relational word. Trust is a way in which we draw near to God. Being afraid is something we all do because it is a very human emotion. It is okay to tell God we are afraid and then in the same breath affirm our trust in God out loud or just in a whisper. The wonderful thing about God is that no matter what, God will receive us and is always accessible to us. When we keep our eyes on God, we will receive comfort, strength and understanding we need. Sleep peacefully knowing that God is guarding and protecting us. God gives us wisdom in all of our situations observing what we cannot and preparing us for what is ahead. Let us give thanks for our God who loves us with an unfailing love who claims us for His own. God is good and love wins.

“The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go.”

Psalm 121: 7-8

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Monday, November 4, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Monday!  All is well at 811.  I loved getting up this morning in dressing in my jeans, silver shoes with the hearts on the toe and my Mom’s pink sweatshirt. And even though the sweatshirt no longer wears her fragrance it made me feel wrapped in her love and her brilliant smile.  Tonight, Bruce and I were watching a movie. We were trying to determine when the move would be over. After several attempts to make the determination Bruce said, “Someday all of this will be right.” I married a prophet and a wonderful man of faith. I was so encouraged for him that he has the hope and confidence that the blocks to language both spoken and heard will be righted. Maybe he lives in the scripture verse from Psalms, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (34: 4) God is good and love wins.

Dear God, I raise my praise to you for all you do and all you are. Thank you for the miracles you have brought to our lives. When I look around I see all you have done and I am humbled by your goodness.  Lord, as I prepare to write my final papers for my seminary career I ask that you clear my mind and stretch my time to write work that is academically acceptable and to be found faithful.  I am really nervous about my writing in the Gospel of Mark. Help me not to fear failure again and to learn from my past errors receiving the miracle of understanding and your presence. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Miracles happen every day. Sometimes when we think of the great miracles of God we think of burning bushes, great oceans that open and entire nations walk across on dry land. Then there are the miracles that tell of those who have overcome great odds to achieve their goals. (Forgive me, but I think of myself and Bruce when I write that sentence.)  But no matter how we define a miracle there is no situation that is so terrible or no goal so remote that God is not there to help when we ask. Since God is infinite, “impossibilities” are the specialty of God. God is unexplainable.  God loves us unconditionally and completely. God listens to and answers our prayers. The situations we find impossible and needing a miracle are the times in our lives when we live placing our dependency on God. God is infinite sufficiency. Bruce believes in the miracle of new life as he is being restored each day. I pray for the miracle of confidence and not feeling inadequate by clinging to God and relying on the infinite sufficiency of the one who created each of us.  So here is the good news…I don’t have to understand; I only have to believe.

“The Lord has done this wonderful miracle for me…I shall live! Yes, in his presence—here on earth!”

Psalm 116: 7, 9

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and carry an umbrella. Get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Sunday, November 3, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday to you all!  Today Geni and Cody presented me with two lovely white roses.  They were

offered by the church in memory of Casey and my Mom. How perfect for All Saint’s Sunday. As I think of these two people who had such a profound effect on my life; the one who gave me life and the one to whom I gave life I think mainly two things, I am continually reminded of how much I loved them and how much they taught me about love. I miss them each day and sometimes I ask God if they could just peak down and witness some things like weddings and graduations! I remember their brilliant smiles, their loving hearts, the wonderful talks, their faithfulness and their faith and I miss Casey and kitchen dancing. Maybe he kitchen dances with Mom in heaven!  She would have loved that. 

Lord, I thank you for the faith of my Mom and my son and the assurance that they are bringing joy to you in heaven. Thank you for the family who is still here on this side of heaven and how you live faithfully in their lives. I thank you for your Word. It is in this sacred Word that I find your way and will for my life. Thank for your tender mercy that is poured out on me. May I reach out to others following the example of your saints in heaven and here on earth because You have reached out to all of us. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

As I am rapidly approaching the final papers to be written I have thought about the last six years. My beginnings at Brite were in crisis and now my closing weeks include a crisis. Casey was diagnosed my first semester and Bruce has had a stroke. There have been a few in between. And though the situations have been devastating; filled with grief and loss I am captured by God’s tender mercies and great compassion. It is in God’s constant presence that have made the losses bearable and invested with meaning. How comforting it has been to rest in God’s most tender mercy knowing that any doubts I have, no matter my failures, or if I surrender to fear…God’s mercy never ends. The storehouse of God’s grace opens and the never ending streams of love and mercy flow over me assuring me that God’s compassion is infinite and given as a gift of love. How assuring it is to know that God will meet me at the mercy seat with warm compassion and unfailing love. God is so very good and love wins.

“The LORD is kind and does what is right; your God is merciful.”

Psalm 116: 5

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep.  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Saturday, November 2, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Saturday!  All is well and the water is just fine here at 811.  The brain is the most interesting organ we have. When one part of it is damaged there are other parts that either remember or learn new skills. After three trips to Home Depot all of the parts were gathered and the repair was made. As for me, Bruce is a hero who does not wear a cape, but late at night when he goes to turn the water off and on he wears crocs and an elastic band with a light attached to see the water valve.  He is amazing and I am so glad he is with me. He amazes me.  God is good and love wins!

Lord, How blessed and fitting to praise you, God! I thank you for bringing peace and constancy to my heart, where pain and sadness once lived.  I hope in your goodness and will remember to praise you forevermore. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Today, Bruce and I made our last trip to Home Depot for the past parts to repair the plumbing in our bathroom. When you live in an old house and fix one thing invariably another problem presents itself. Now for Bruce Home Depot is like me walking into Brighton. As we were walking across the parking lot to enter the building and he was holding my hand I was profoundly reminded of the gift of life that held my hand. Here is a man who three and a half months ago could not walk a straight line and he was walking into Home Depot and straight to the aisle that contained the parts needed to make repairs and within himself the skills to complete the task. It took a lot of self-control not to fall to my knees and give thanks for this gift that presents itself to me every day.  

I pray each night for Bruce’s healing and restoration and sometimes I forget to give thanks for all of the gifts and graces that we have been given in Bruce’s healing. The Book of Psalms begins “Happy are those who…love the LORD’S” teachings” (1: 1-2) and ends “Praise the Lord!”  My devotion tonight reminds me “in every situation you might experience on the journey of life—trials, losses, betrayals, joys, hopes, promises, and desires The Psalms represent the whole spectrum of human experience, and the faithfulness of God to walk with us through each one.”  I don’t think we are supposed to be thankful for losses and illness, but what I DO think we are to give thanks and praise that God is with us through all of the days of our life and whatever situations each day brings. When we learn to trust in God’s love and Presence remembering that in the presence of God we stand on Holy Ground we can praise Him in faith, believing in our hope in Him and find the peace for which we long.

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”

Psalm 150: 6

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes, turn back the clock tonight and get an extra hour of sleep.  Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

 

Friday, November 1, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

TGIF Today God is First!  We here at 811 are giving thanks to God for victory over cancer in our young cousin Tatum. Final results came back to day and in the words of her extraordinary mother, “All is well.”  It is a day we have looked forward to for so long. This baby has fought this battle two times in her young life; she is only seven. She has fought with courage and faith since she was three years old. And today she was pronounced “well.”  We are so very thankful to God and His healing graces for the precious life of this young lady and her amazing family. This is the family from whom I stole the phrase, “God is good and love wins!” Tonight it is truer than ever!

Lord, in you is all my worth, glory, and joy. I thank you for accepting and loving me. Thank you for your words of encouragement as I become myself. Thank you for looking far enough in me to see strengths and skills I don’t know are there. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

I have been back at work in my current full capacity this week. This is how my day goes; I go and get a child from their classroom, we return to my room, the child and I engage in book discussion and reading, I return the child to their teacher. I have thirty minutes once a week to make a difference in the life of a child. In all honesty I thought at first that the ministry to which I have been called was being put on the back burner for a while, maybe a long while. I had begun to think that I had failed God. And then as has been my practice for over thirty years I have had my morning prayer time on the way to school. I followed a familiar path and learned to listen to the voice of God. It is not the location of the ministry that is important. It is the ministry to which I have been called that is important. God has called me to follow His will wherever I am. So as I listen to children read, or listen to parents and teachers talk I am on holy ground because God is present through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that causes me to respond in the most appropriate ways. Here is my new lesson to practice and learn. I need to listen to God while listening to others and allow the Holy Spirit to empower my listening and speaking. I pray that God will use me to be a channel of His Love, Joy and Peace by listening to Him while listening to others. Pastoral care is not a location, but a way of life to be enacted and for me to bloom where I am planted.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

Exodus 3: 5

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

PS The hammering, drilling, two trips to Home Depot and Bruce’s decades of knowledge of my wonderful hubby are repairing the leaky faucet.  The faucet in our bathroom is not even made any more (remember we live in a really old house)so other accommodations have had to be made. I am so grateful that his abilities to repair are still intact and that he is willing to tackle the task. The job is not complete, but I have full confidence that all will be repaired.  I love my dear hubby. Grace and pieces, gc

 

Thursday, October 31, 2013


Greetings form Austin Street

Happy Halloween and Happy Thursday! All is well with Bruce and I, but 811 is having plumbing issues. We have a leaky faucet. It kept us awake last night and ran many gallons of water last night. So the plan for tonight is to turn off the water, turn it back on in the morning for showers and toilets and turn it off again until Bruce has the time to make the repair. Please pray that this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.  We had about two dozen trick or treaters and a special visit from our goddaughter.  Also, I sent my thesis statement to my professor last evening for approval and/or correction. I received it back today. Three out of four sentences were approved. YEA!!! I just have to work on one sentence and then I can begin work on the paper. Please pray about that too.  Thank you all. 

Lord, teach me your ways. Teach your wisdom to my spirit. Teach me your truth so that I can always follow you well and praise you. Please meet me in my daily trust in you as I look only to you for help and approval.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

When I was in high school I took high school geometry. I had a wonderful teacher who hung in there with me as I struggled all through the first semester of class learning to do a proof. I turned in every assignment, I took notes in class, I died every day and failed every test. But I continued to work. I just did not understand. And then one day she called on me in class to explain the proof and I did it. All of a sudden I understood. I had the aha! moment.  This is what happens to me with spiritual concepts and currently writing an exegesis paper. I do not fully understand what is being asked of me, but my professor is willing to hang with me until I do understand. As to the spiritual concepts of truth and wisdom; God is willing to hang with me giving me opportunity to practice pastoral skills, to hang with Bruce and help him to be restored and healed.  Here’s the most important concept I am learning, “The God who gave His life for me, Bruce and all of you and gave us the gift of salvation is able to instruct us in His ways and hang with us until we “get it!.” I am sure we are all in for many more aha! moments.

“Your promise has been tested through and through, and I your servant love it dearly…The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.”

Psalm 119: 140, 144

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Greetings form Austin Street

Happy Halloween and Happy Thursday! All is well with Bruce and I, but 811 is having plumbing issues. We have a leaky faucet. It kept us awake last night and ran many gallons of water last night. So the plan for tonight is to turn off the water, turn it back on in the morning for showers and toilets and turn it off again until Bruce has the time to make the repair. Please pray that this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.  We had about two dozen trick or treaters and a special visit from our goddaughter.  Also, I sent my thesis statement to my professor last evening for approval and/or correction. I received it back today. Three out of four sentences were approved. YEA!!! I just have to work on one sentence and then I can begin work on the paper. Please pray about that too.  Thank you all. 

Lord, teach me your ways. Teach your wisdom to my spirit. Teach me your truth so that I can always follow you well and praise you. Please meet me in my daily trust in you as I look only to you for help and approval.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

When I was in high school I took high school geometry. I had a wonderful teacher who hung in there with me as I struggled all through the first semester of class learning to do a proof. I turned in every assignment, I took notes in class, I died every day and failed every test. But I continued to work. I just did not understand. And then one day she called on me in class to explain the proof and I did it. All of a sudden I understood. I had the aha! moment.  This is what happens to me with spiritual concepts and currently writing an exegesis paper. I do not fully understand what is being asked of me, but my professor is willing to hang with me until I do understand. As to the spiritual concepts of truth and wisdom; God is willing to hang with me giving me opportunity to practice pastoral skills, to hang with Bruce and help him to be restored and healed.  Here’s the most important concept I am learning, “The God who gave His life for me, Bruce and all of you and gave us the gift of salvation is able to instruct us in His ways and hang with us until we “get it!.” I am sure we are all in for many more aha! moments.

“Your promise has been tested through and through, and I your servant love it dearly…The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.”

Psalm 119: 140, 144

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Wednesday!  All is well at 811. I really love writing that sentence.  Bruce had a good day back at the Center. I had a full day of students today. Life goes on and God is good and love always wins.

Lord, I will focus on your faithfulness rather than my own failures. I will look to you to help me fulfill the promise of all that my life can be. As I grow in continuous relationship with you teach me to have full confidence in you for you my God are worthy of my trust. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tonight I sent a thesis statement to my professor for his approval. I have not missed class; I have turned in all required weekly writings and am taking my time to write this most important paper and hoping to show greater understanding of the elements of this particular exegesis and the scripture passage I have chosen. I have chosen the passage Mark 14: 3-9. It is the story of the woman who anoints Jesus in the house of Simon the Leper. She is an unnamed woman. I have read stories of unnamed women throughout scripture and they have great courage and show Jesus an outpouring of their love like no other. The love these women show is a bold extravagant love. One woman anoints the feet of Jesus for service and the other anoints Jesus into His death crowing Him as King. And they do it at the risk of public ridicule and personal safety. These women understand that discipleship means to be willing to follow Jesus no matter what the cost out of their love for Him. And in their unnamed status and silent actions Jesus does not focus on their failures but helps them both accepting their offered gifts of worship, reverence and love. One woman is freed of her past to live the promise of restoring her hope of all her life can be and the other is remembered for her extraordinary act of kindness.  

“The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness.”

Psalm 147: 11

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is well at 811. Bruce had a medical doctor’s appointment for Social Security Disability today. Since I was in class today our wonderful friend Steve took Bruce to the appointment. Thank you Steve! I am not sure how long the appointment took I just know when I walked into the house around 5 Bruce was asleep on the couch and did not awaken until nearly 6. So I am assuming the appointment was pretty exhausting. So after a two day absence from the Center I think he is ready to get back into his routine! 

Lord, please teach me your ways so that I may serve you. I trust that you will sustain me for my hope is in you. I want to make a difference in whatever way you want me to serve for your name’s sake. And Lord, thank you for the daily instruction you bring to me and for the miracles you allow me to witness. I love you Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I believe I have been called by God to serve in pastoral service and to be ordained and authorized by the Church for ministry. And I believe someday I will do just that. It is just not right now. I believe that the gap between God’s call on my life and my ability to respond has a purpose. It reminds me of the story of the life lived in the dash. I still have lessons to learn and the greatest lesson I have to learn is to depend on God’s sufficiency instead of focusing on my impatience to get started in a ministry in which I cannot give my total focus. I am celebrating this time as it is allowing me to depend more on God and to look to God continually for all of my needs. I would love to tell you that I am always at peace with this, but I pretty imperfect. And when I get bogged down in my imperfections I begin to pray usually through tears and God helps me resolve my doubts and find the peace I seek. But this I know, God’s true and lasting peace comes when I place my doubts in the abundance of God’s love and I am sustained in the hope of the resurrected Christ.  God is good and love wins!

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

Psalm 94: 19

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Monday, October 28, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Monday!  All is well at 811!  I have waited 102 days for this moment. Bruce said, “Gaylene” today!  And before you ask, yes I cried tears of joy.  We were on our way home from a very, very long day at a Social Security Disability mandated psychological evaluation that lasted 4 ½ hours. And he said my name.  God is good and love wins!

Lord, thank You dear Lord for the words of life you speak to me. By your words I am named and claimed. By your words I am held, molded and sent out. And by your healing grace and tender mercy Bruce said my name to day. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reading for pleasure is something I remember. I do love to read, and I especially love to read Holy Scripture. Scripture has the power to encourage, to help, inspire, teach, to tell a story, to correct behavior, offer forgiveness of sins from the mouth of Jesus and tell of the grace  given by God’s own Son.  I particularly love the words of the psalmist.  In Psalm 119: 103 the writer found the words of God, “sweeter than honey.” The words of Jesus are life-giving. There are lots of books out there that are well written and read over and over again like an old friend.  But the Word of God is the only book with the power to transform us from the inside out and allow the transcending spirit of Jesus to fill our souls with light, life, promise, joy and the unfailing love of God.

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mind.”

Psalm 119: 103

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

Sunday, October 27, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Blessed Sunday to you all!  All is well at 811.

Lord, give me wisdom to know what to look over and what to overlook. Teach me that the greatest wisdom is a loving heart, and when I am afraid make me wise beyond my fears.  Lord, you have answered prayers in ways I did not recognize until today. Forgive me when I am blind to Your good works and open to your kindness when my eyes are opened to your grace and work of Your hands.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

4 class periods and three papers to go. The countdown to graduation has begun and I have gone back to work three days a week from before 8 in the morning until after 3 in the afternoon. My prayer has been for God to stretch my time so that when I have the study time to be diligent in my studies, comprehend what I read and to write an acceptable, faithful response to the reading.  Once again I began to feel overwhelmed until I remembered that God has answered my prayer through the servant heart of my beloved Bruce.  Bruce makes our bed, does the dishes, vacuum’s the floors, makes the coffee, clears and sets the table for meals and does the laundry all of his own choice. I have never asked him to do any of these tasks.  I am so blessed and he is so amazing. Bruce has provided the time stretcher I needed so that I can study. I have given thanks for this wonderful gift of a loving husband who knows and loves me more than anyone else and is blessed with a godly heart and always says, “It is my joy.”

I finally came to this conclusion about how God has answered this prayer by studying the story of the healing of blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus asked for Jesus to heal him of his blindness. Jesus heals him and says, “Your faith has healed you.” Bartimaeus with his sight restored immediately began to follow Jesus into Jerusalem as a “follower” of Jesus. When Jesus heals someone the healing is not complete until the body and the spirit have been healed. Bartimaeus showed great faith in Jesus before his sight was restored. This made him the perfect vessel for healing and discipleship. Bartimaeus saw what the Twelve did not. Bartimaeus followed Jesus with faith and not fear. So because of God’s good work and the model of faith and discipleship in Bruce and Bartimaeus my sight has been restored and my faith intact.

“You, through your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding that all my teachers: for your testimonies are my meditations.”

Psalm 119: 98-99

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

 

 

Saturday, October 26, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Saturday!  All is well at 811. We are all four tired, but doing well.  The Basset Shuffle was so much fun. There were about 200 basset hounds ranging in ages from 14 weeks to 14 1/2 years. He elder basset was pushed around in a stroller.  We did not win any prizes for the events entered, but we were most certainly recognized and photographed more than many of the other bassets.  We were the only ones representing the Purple Reign of TCU. They boys did themselves proud!  The funniest moment for me was just after the Anglican pastor (and claiming that he too was owned by bassets) pronounced a blessing over all the bassets. He then  offered individual blessings. We took Luther and Jackson over to the pastor for their blessings and as soon as the pastor placed his hands on Luther, Luther rolled over for a belly rub.  It was so funny!  We were all pretty exhausted by the end of the Shuffle and all took naps upon our return home.  Great time with really nice folks and the sweetest dogs ever. 

Lord, Thank you for a day with your presence being so near. We gave thanks today for part of your Creation. Thank you for the people and the animals you created that bring us happiness. Lord, you are goodness and light. Thank you for bringing us into the light of your love so that we may receive your goodness as a gift given out of your love. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Gaylene

When we bow low in the presence of God we recognize the greatness of God. When we walk humbly with God we acknowledge how dependent we are upon Him.  Lately I have been trying to be greatly open to receive the power and strength that only God can give. I am so aware of my neediness and am ready to receive the resources only God can give.  All of my efforts are for God’s glory and God’s highest use.  I am praying for all of my efforts to be elevated with increased focus, increased understanding and abilities that need to be increased and to be found worthy. We are all able to be more effective when we place ourselves in the hands of God. Perhaps with God’s encouragement we can encourage others.  Lord, empower us to receive your resources as we are needy people and then help us to bless others with your mighty spiritual gifts.

“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.”

Psalm 119: 76- 77

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

Friday, October 25, 2013


Greetings from Austin Street

TGIF! Today God is First!  All is really great at 811. Bruce and I met with his therapists at the Center today. They had only amazing and positive things to say about his progress. I have watched and listened and conversated with him with the most clarity since the stroke. His testing agrees with what I am experiencing at home. I sat in on one of his speech sessions today. It was fascinating.  Bruce works so hard and he is really hard on himself when he messes up. WOW! God is so very good and the unfailing love of God absolutely wins. 

Lord, I give you thanks for every blessing I remember for which to give thanks and those I do not. Every gift you give is good and perfect and given out of Your unfailing love. Sometimes I only bring to you problems, grief, sorrow and need.  Lord, I thank you for receiving what I bring and giving what I need. Lord, the psalmist says, I trust in you, O Lord, You are my God. My times are in your hand.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tonight the opening sentence of my meditations says, “Give your problems, challenges, and difficulties to God, but make sure there are no claw marks on them.”  This made me laugh just a bit knowing how well God knows me. How many times have I offered surrender of something that is going wrong over to God and then struggled to keep it for myself and fix it.  What we need to do is let God carry us. God is far better able to carry us than we are ourselves. Interestingly enough it is in letting go and not holding on that makes us stronger. When we let go of tough situations, relationships, inner struggles, paper writing, studying the Gospel of Mark and Disciples History etc…here is what happens; we come to God with hands that are full and leave with hands that are empty.

“They eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

2 Chronicles 16: 9

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene

PS Tomorrow Bruce and I are taking Jackson and Luther to the Basset Shuffle. It is a fund raiser for basset rescue. The boys have their TCU t-shirts and collars. Bruce and I have our TCU shirts (no collars) ready. This family will represent the Purple Reign in fine style tomorrow.