Blessed Be Your Name

I just returned from Oklahoma City, where my son lives. Many of you are already aware of some of the challenges I have faced with my son, Tim. I've written previous blogs about him here and here.

We had a really wonderful visit. Although I would hope my faith remains strong, sometimes I still tend to worry that Tim will fall back into his old ways or start associating with old friends. I am so grateful that his faith seems very strong, and he is very determined to stay on the right path and find God's purpose for his life. Because of his diabetes and his life style, he was near death several times; so he knows that God kept him alive for a reason.


I stayed in an extended stay hotel. They have a little kichenette, so I was able to have my own breakfast there in the room. I usually stay with a friend when I go to OKC, but I wanted to be able to come and go freely, and to spend the majority of my time with Tim and with his grandma, my mother-in-law, Gloria.

I haven't had a picture taken with Tim in a long time. He has put on some weight and says he's in the "worst shape of his life". That isn't really true, but he does want to start working out and try to get into better physical shape.

G-Ma Lavin is 85 years old. She is nearly blind and has a hearing aid. But she is a spunky, independent lady! Tim has been spending Sunday afternoons with her since he's been out of jail. They really are enjoying each other's company, and it's a win-win situation for both of them. We spent quite a bit of time with her while I was there, taking her out to eat, going to the grocery store, bank, etc. She still lives alone in her own home. Her favorite phrase is, "I'm waiting for Jesus".

On Saturday, Tim and I spent the whole day together. We ran a few errands in the morning, ate lunch, and then went to the Science Museum of Oklahoma. (It used to be called the Omniplex). It is actually more geared for kids, with hands on experiments, etc, but we enjoyed it. We also watched an IMAX movie on the Ocean. That was really interesting and I love the feeling that you are right there in the scene.

After eating dinner together, we went to a movie. It was at the dollar theatre (which is now $2.00). It would not have been my choice but Tim thought it was good.

On Sunday we had lunch with my cousin's family. Donnie is a wonderful pianist and Tim asked her to play a couple songs for him. ( Claire De Lune and some others). We had a good visit with them and their daughter and her family. They are really the only family we have in that area.

Tim and I had some wonderful spiritual discussions, and we talked about things he would like to do. He still has about another 6 months to a year of probation, but he is looking forward to what the Lord might have for him. He wants to learn spanish as he feels that there is a great opportunity for ministry to spanish-speaking people in our country.

While I was there, I heard this song on the radio. I just thought that it really described my feelings, with all that has gone on in Tim's life, and the path he is on now.

BLESSED BE YOUR NAME

Blessed be Your name, in the land that is plentiful,

where your streams of abundance flow,

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be Your name, when I'm found in the desert place,

though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be your name, when the sun's shining down on me

When the world's all as it should be,

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering,

though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name.

Every blessing your pour out, I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say,

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Blessed be Your glorious name!