Destined...

3rd annual Phyllis Connell Memorial Egg Toss

to be remembered

Philippians 1:3
"I thank God for every remembrance of you"

Destined...

to influence

Psalm 71:18
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."

Remembering Pictures

Today I met my little brother and wife at Arby's for some lunch. It's impossible for me to spend anytime with Luke without at some point being reminded of Gordy, our oldest brother. They look alike, act alike and giggle alike. The reminders were a tad bittersweet as I looked out the window of Arby's to the North Platte Mall where I was shopping ten years ago today when I was given a phone to be told Gordy had passed away. In complete disbelief and shock, I experienced
for the first time the true meaning of heart break. I cannot remember much about that long drive from North Platte to the ranch where the family was gathering. I do recall a couple things; probably the most important was the comfort from the presence of a friend. I don't remember anything Amanda said to me that night. Knowing Amanda, she probably didn't feel the need to fill the silence with worthless, "churchy" words or advice. She didn't rehearse clever comments or give me a mini sermon bent to keep my way of thinking on the straight and narrow. She just let me cry when I wanted to cry, listened when I wanted to talk and gave me a hug when I needed a hug. I thank God for Amanda and her friendship especially during that time. God used her to show me a picture of Himself and His way of comforting. As I read the Scriptures, I find God's presence offered as a true form of comfort. Psalm 23:4 "though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." His presence brings the comfort. Since that day, I have learned more and more the value of experiencing the presence of God leading me to name "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" as my favorite song. Those clever comments and mini sermon's still fall short but God's presence never fails. As I find myself remembering today my brother and the grief in losing him I thank God for His presence through it all, for the comfort He provided and continues to provide and for using Amanda to show me a "closer" picture of Himself.

Destined...

to sing
Psalm 71:23
"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed."

Even When

Even when...I'm not exactly certain who YOU are
Even when the distance seems that its too far
When I cannot look YOU in the eye so I do not seek YOUR face
And I'm so covered in my shame that I cannot feel YOUR grace

Even when...I find I'm on my knees
Cause there's no where left to be
YOU're still the KING of KINGS

Even when...I'm crying for relief
Cause I'm at the end of me
Empty hands should still be raised
And I can still afford YOUR praise
Cause YOUR worth remains the same...
Even when

Even when...my heart is breaking in familiar pain
And my mind is racing over who's to blame
It's hard to hold onto the truth when all I hear are satan's lies
And it's hard to shout a 'Victory' when all I can do is cry...

Even when...I find I'm on my knees
Cause there's no where else to be
YOU're still the KING of KINGS

Even when...I'm crying for relief
Cause I am at the end of me
Empty hands should still be raised
And I can still afford YOUR praise
Cause YOUR worth remains the same...
Even when

The sacrifice I bring's not pretty
My words are few; my needs are plenty
I'm desperate for YOU but I've always been...

Even when...I find I'm on my knees
Cause there's no where else to be
YOU're still the KING of KINGS

Even when...I'm crying for relief
Cause I'm at the end of me
Empty hands should still be raised
Bringing honesty to praise
Cause YOUR worth remains the same...
Even when




Mardel Connell 2010

Destined...

to be heard

Psalm 18:6
"In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried to my God for help and He heard me."

Destined...

to be upheld

Psalm 37:23-24
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord; And He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand."