This May Be the Last Time Isn't Just a Song
Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
by Marijo Phelps
The view is totally gorgeous-evergreens and rocks scattered in the grassy hillside where I am. I look over one way to the golden yellow aspens shaking and quaking in the bright September sunlight. Beyond those trees are mountains and more mountains against the backdrop of flawless, intense blue sky scattered with white, puffy clouds. It is breathtaking here.
There is no sign of civilization in any direction. We'd hiked a couple of miles to this place and I decide to read. Yes, the library book and glasses are in my fanny pack. My husband goes on to do some exploring while I sit with the welcome sunlight warming my back.
The place exudes peace. God's hand has certainly touched this area of our world. My companions are a few ants crawling on the rocks.
Then I begin to have chest pains. Glancing in the direction Mick has gone I see nothing but a little dot moving through the valley below me. He is too far away to hear me call. How can he get back in time to take me to medical help? How can we walk out?
Where are those antacids? I find the package in my fanny pack and pop one into my mouth.
Being a retired RN I know that sometimes esophageal spasms mimicked actual cardiac problems and vice-versa.
I swallow. I could shoot my pistol and that would surely get Mick's attention but the amount of time it would take him to get back to me, never mind how long it would take us to walk out, was scary. For us, "over the hills and through the woods" will be a reality and not just part of a childhood song.
Yet, I am strangely at peace; forgiven and set free after years of trauma and drama in my life. If this is my time to meet Jesus "face to face", I am ready. The setting is indescribably beautiful. Should I shoot to try to get Mick's attention? How long should I wait to see if the antacid is going to "fix" the problem because if it does, then I will know it is not cardiac.
The prayer that passed my lips is something eloquent like "HELP, Lord!"
The sun warms my back and that gripping, gnawing pain in the middle of my chest lets loose.
I take a big breath of the fresh, unpolluted air while thanking God I am alive. I am thanking God that I am ready, should this have been the timing. Then, thanking God my hubby doesn't have to go through anything more traumatic today than leaving me on the mountainside to read my library book.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (NIV)
Titus 3:7
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (NIV)
(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.
Marijo Phelps,saved by Jesus grace in 1974, from 9 years atheism into His loving arms. She is wanting to spread the good news about His redemptive plan for our lives through written media. Her name is pronounced Mary Jo. She was an RN for 23+ years, missionary with YWAM,statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ 9 years. Her first poem published when she was four years old. (her mom had much to do with that!) She has been writing ever since.
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Marijo, this is another beautiful article. "Justified by His Grace," you are correct. I would just add Reconciled for me. ...Smile... Beautiful Marijo.We always hike out "in the middle of nowhere"... four by four to get there and then hike from there (usually UP) Wish I could attach some of the photos I took. Really thought for a time my sweetie would be in big trouble trying to get me out of there. BUT Jesus! And thankfully the eternal questions have been settled for this girl for some years now and I stay just as close as I can to Him. Thanks for your comments! Marijo
Hi Marijo, your description is amazing! Makes me want to come take you up on the offer for a cup of coffee! (One of these days, Lord willing.) I am glad it was just heartburn and nothing more, but you are so right to share about the peace you have knowing that when you time is up you are ready to meet your maker. And Mick was blessed too, that he was able to walk out of there with you :-) Thanks for the wonderful story. Hugs, TI will send you photos - wish I knew how to put them on the piece! Thanks for reading! the pictures are incredible. Marijo
Wow, Marijo! There's a sister who knows how to paint a story! There's nothing like a personal story to connect with the fragile in each of us. I'm on the same page with Teresa...because of your personal relationship with the Creator through Jesus Christ, you have conquered the fear of death...that is what it means to be "free indeed". Thanks for sharing this page from your life. ~mogama~Thanks for reading this, Mogama! You should see it here now, blustery, cloud covered with frost and the temp is pegged on 30 degrees! I worked for Every Home for Christ for years and our leaders from variious countries in Africa would have down ski jackets on in August - now that I read your article on Tans I totally understand - GRIN! Marijo
Vivid and vibrant Marijo! I echo what others have already said (and what I've mentioned before), you know how to paint a mental picture! Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you!The Lord is making me giddy with finding old notes (and this piece was totally new) and being able to write and write - I hope to encourage, challenge, and love on His Body AND make those who don't know Him think and take that first step! Whoo-Hoo! Thanks again for your encouragement! Marijo
Marijo, Ireally loved this piece. It was written in a beautiful way, and so full of our Jesus. GOD IS SO GOOD__All the time! Love you, VernaYah, and it was sort of scary too but I was thinking of my honey mostly...Marijo
I always get to see beauty through your eyes and the beautiful pictures you send my way and i love you and cherish all of them and what a blessing it is to know in our hearts that all is well whether in death or life .. Just beautifully written Marijo !Thanks Judy - you shine across the miles! Did I send you the photos that went with this one? I am trying to find out through the website how to post photos too... Marijo
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