Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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!

14 comments:

Diana said...

Hi Donna,
I will pray for Tim's continued recovery and successes for him. It seems that you have been through a lot as well as Tim. I admire your strength as it must have all been difficult for all of you. It sounds as if things are looking up for Tim. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Love Di

Wanda..... said...

I hope things continue to improve for your son Tim and that he reaches his goals Donna...and I wish you peace and contentment along his journey!

Joan said...

Wonderful praise song. One of my all time favs. I'm glad that you had a wonderful visit with your son. Sounds like some prayers have been answered. God is so good.

Dee said...

Tim looks well..i am happy to hear you had a good visit..it is heart warming to hear he visits his grandma on Sunday afternoon. Good for him and good for her! The song speaks it all. I will continue to keep Tim in prayer.

Jackie said...

This post is a praise! I'm so glad that you were able to spend some time with Tim. (The photos are great!!)
Please tell him when you talk to him again that his name is going in my prayer journal and I hope to hear great things that he will do in the weeks and months ahead.
I lift him to our Lord. Bless you, Donna....a wonderful Mother, indeed.
Love,
Jackie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I imagine your heart was filled to the measure for the time spent with your son. I love the fact that we're never too old to take our children to the hands-on Science museum. That is precious to me. I'll add Tim to my list this week. God isn't finished with Tim. He's got a plan, sister, and I am believing in faith (because I've walked my own road of prodigal living) that this is just the beginning for Tim.

Blessings and peace to you this week~elaine

Rebecca said...

We sang that song in church Sunday. It had a new layer of meaning for me this week.

I WONDERED where you were! Now I know. I'm glad you had an extended stay hotel to stay in. Your time in O.C. sounds full and significant. It was good to see son/mother together in picture. I rejoice with you in your good report.

My husband just returned from visiting HIS mother briefly.....

Aliene said...

I just came across your blog as a I was surfing. Your story touched my heart as I have been where you are now. Just remember ~ God is bottling those tears in prayer and in His time every thing will be okay. I will keep you and Tim in prayer.

Jackie said...

I came back to Tell you that Tim is in my prayer journal. May the power of prayers being lifted continue to lift him...and you.
Much love,
Jackie

Gina said...

I love what G-Ma said "I'm waiting for Jesus". You are a wonderful mom and I know that you will be blessed for all you do and have done for Tim. I will pray that Tim will continue to experience Godly growth in his life.

BTW, that is one of my favorite songs ever!!!!

Annie said...

Prayers are lifted for you and your son. Sounds like Christ was talking to you through this song...one of my favorites!

Joyce said...

So glad you were able to have a good visit and that things are going well...Praying that will continue.
Love that beautiful praise song!

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

We have a prodigal also who is, at 33, finding his place in the world. God truly answers prayers and I'll be praying for Tim and you. All we can do is love them and let them go in God's hands. Tim is blessed to have you as his mother. How fortunate he is to have a loving grandmother as well. Love the song!

anupama said...

Dear Donna,
NAMASTE!
First time here and from diana's blog.:)
I felt nice stopping by.Donna,all three of you look great and grandma is so cool.please convey my regards to her and Tim.A bright future awaits Tim.I will remember you in my prayers.
you are such a wonderful mother!GOD will bless you!enjoy life and try to live in the present.
''More things are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreams of''.
wishing you a wonderful sunday,
sasneham,
Anu