Finding Joy in Memories: D&D Ministries’ Weekend Trip

Last weekend D&D Ministries headed to Indiana and Illinois. I was scheduled to speak at Camp Assurance in Danville, IL and then Dale preached and I taught the ladies’ Sunday school class in a church in New Richmond, OH.

I was excited to be going through Indiana – our “old stomping grounds.” We lived there for fourteen years – those were the years we raised our girls, and had some of the most difficult seasons of our lives. There were hard ministry issues, the death of our second daughter, a meager salary, and long work hours for Dale.

But as the Lord often does, He turned those difficulties into some of the most precious blessings, and also loaded us with many joys that outnumbered our sorrows. Of course we couldn’t see and recognize all those good things at the time. Those kind of perspectives sometimes take years to see. As we drove through the cities where we lived and served, the memories flooded my heart. But there were a couple other events that truly brought the emotions.

Seeing our former homes was a mixed bag. The sadness came from their current state. But as I looked past their cluttered yards and unkempt landscapes, I could see with my mind’s eye our family of four pulling out the bikes or sleds. I saw piles of fall leaves where we would rake them, then pile them up and jump into them. I saw all the hours of play my girls enjoyed in the backyard in the playhouse their Papa made for them, as well as the wooden swing set and tree house. Yes, the house was rather ragged now, but my memories are still in tact.

After driving down familiar streets, we went to the cemetery where our daughter, Ashley is buried. I don’t think I was prepared for the flood of emotions that hit me as I stood over her grave. I looked beyond her cemetery plot to the huge tree and remembered that the funeral tent was just in front of that, allowing for some shade on the hot July day of her funeral. Oh my, God’s grace was sufficient for that day and all those that followed, though the tears where a constant companion for many months. All these thirty eight years later, I can say, “Thank you, Lord. You taught me things about Yourself, and also myself that I never would have learned without that trial.” His lovingkindness has been better than the life of my daughter would have been to me. Psalm 63:3 That is a truth He brought to my attention many years after her death. He is good. I will see her again!

After that tearful event, we met up with our dear friends for dinner. For the two hours we sat together, we laughed and cried and reminisced about our years together. Good friends can pick up where they left off – no matter how many years have passed. These are those kind of friends. ❤️

As we were headed out of town, we passed the ice cream place where we often went as a family. We had to stop! If not for their delicious Chocolate Cherry Flurry, simply for nostalgia’s sake! We were glad we did!

The (flat) Indiana skyline was beautiful as we headed to Indianapolis where we stayed the night.

We arrived at Camp Assurance the next morning and were greeted warmly and treated with as much hospitality as a southerner from Georgia!

They were all so gracious. It was a very busy two days. I spoke five different times, on five different subjects. I met so many sweet women and loved getting to know them, hear their burdens and pray with many of them. It’s always a joy to teach God’s Word and watch the Lord enable me to do what I cannot do on my own! I know how desperate I am for His grace!

I absolutely love camp ministry. To see how God is using this camp in its unique setting, providing for their facilities and equipping them with staff and campers is a blessing. Camp allows women to rest, pull apart and then be ready to hear God’s Word and go home with a new vigor and passion for Him. What a blessing to have a small part in that!

When our ministry was finished at the camp, we headed to Ohio, spent the night, and then served Sunday morning there. It was a blessing to visit this church that has quite a long history. The church family were so welcoming. We loved being there. We got home late Sunday night with tired bodies, but full hearts!

We have a couple weeks at home. What are we doing?

• Seeking God’s face in His Word each day.
• Praying! Serving Him in our home and church.
• Spending time with our family…and church family.
• Resting.
• Getting caught up on projects.
• Preparing for upcoming events.
• Sitting out back by the fire pit and back swing as often as possible!

That’s what I’ve been up to. How about you? What has been a highlight in your September?