For whoever would save his life will lose it …Matthew 16:25
I realize that at 91 years old I am in a very nice place where old folks are kept alive and saved from a virus, but I don’t have life here. My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have not been allowed to visit me for six months. And I have not been allowed out of the facility. Living without life is no life. If I don’t have many more years, I want to live them to the fullest. Among other things that means be with my family as much as possible. So I am moving. Some will say this is “virus risky”. Since my eternal life is secure, I am willing to take a risk with this earthly life in order not to lose what is important now. The seniors’ facility where I am going prohibits visitors from coming in because of the virus, but I am able to go out. I can be with my family and go to church!
So true mom, I'm glad you're getting out and your thoughts are getting out too. Looking forward to seeing you mom and reading your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteLiving without life is no life. Agree! I am happy for you and am looking forward to more posts. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled that you have a blog! I can't wait to read more of your "lessons." I'll be praying for you as you move.
Love, Maria Hanson
Thank you for starting this blog. I have a feeling we can learn much from you. Looking forward to future posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rosemary!!! I look forward to hearing from the wisdom that the Lord has given to you all your wonderful 91 years!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your blogs and hearing how you are doing. You are such an encouragement during this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to share your love and wisdom, Rosemary. You have blessed so many of us over these many decades, and I so look forward to hearing from your heart.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful that Rosemary is writing down her wisdom and lessons. There are many things we can all learn! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are excited about it.
DeleteRosemary I am delighted to hear your hearts wisdom. You hosted us at your house before we were sent out, I to Chennai. You have two pieces of advice I use daily: Develop a grateful heart (heavy on the develop is my add) and if things don’t go as expected- get over it. It’s not about you- it’s about God! I cherish your continued input- so please blog your heart out!
ReplyDeleteCarol Peterson
Good for you! A wise choice for a wise woman! Fear does not come from the Lord and I’m so glad you’re taking this step. God bless your move and new home.
ReplyDeleteDearest Rosemary, my husband and I met at the single adults BSF group in Minneapolis. After moving to Texas, and leading discussion groups, we raised our (now adult) boys in BSF. Certainly I would like to personally thank you!! But what I most want to share my gratitude for, is the habit you developed of listening well. For it is in listening to the Holy Spirit that we are most fulfilled, and as you know well, and even speak to here....that means being a part of risky business. Oh, the risks you have taken upon your life, and how God has rewarded you with His abiding presence.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to hear of your latest “escape endeavor” from the grip this present world would like to keep you in. Your partnership with the Holy Spirit, all these years, continues to bring life. Clearly, our eternal life with Christ begins on earth, as we pray for His will to be done, as it is in heaven.
Rosemary, thank you for adventuring well with your Shepherd, to pastures green, “through” the valleys of the shadows of death. You are led, and upheld, and are in a very privileged place, as you look to Him... ascending the hill of the Lord. May this season be all you’ve hoped for, as you continue to dream big, while modeling a life of listening well, and being ready to share what you’ve learned. Truly, the message of BSF. Glory be!
👏👏👏
DeleteRosemary, I am thrilled to see that you have started a blog and that you have determined to pursue what is essential to life. First, as always, your Savior. Second, family and friends, and the ability to fellowship with them, even though there may be risks. I had the deep pleasure and privilege to teach a BSF class years ago, and I was honored to be in your home in TX during training. I will always remember that. I valued your wisdom then and still do now, as exhibited in your beginning this blog. I look forward to reading what you will have to share with us. May God continue to enlarge your life with His.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary. So many of my precious BSF friends have gone home to be with our Lord. I miss the deep fellowship shared by those of us who have dug deep into God's Word in BSF and am so excited to join you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stepping out and God bless you richly.
Thank you Rosemary
ReplyDeleteYour words will encourage and bless us.
Dear Rosemary, you have much wisdom to share. Thanks for taking the time to pass on what the Lord has taught (and is teaching) you. It will bless us all.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, I can't think of anyone I would rather hear life lessons from! You have been an inspiration and a mentor, and I love you dearly! Thank you for starting this blog!
ReplyDeleteLove, Lil
Hi Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThis is Holly Kennedy. I was so happy to see your post. David and I have 2 children Caleb is 12 and Sarah is 8 and we are retired from the military and we have a little farm in North Carolina. You always taught me, on the ostrich farm, to live life to the fullest without fear. So I am following your advise and glad you are too. Much love and many blessings to you and your family. Love,Holly
Rosemary! Great ideas! Moving and writing Your life lessons blog. This oughta be good, very good! May God refresh you as you ponder and write. Love. Judy Stokes.
ReplyDeleteI am using my husbands account but wanted to say... WOO HOO!!!! You go girl!!! I always remember you with fondness because when my 15 year old was young and gave all his money to Rafiki you wrote him a note personally and thanked him and blessed him. It cultivated a giving heart which he still has a teenager. HUGE HUGS and All for His glory!! Valerie Bynum
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to your words of wisdom! I agree with your plan to live life! God knows the number of our days. I pray for strength and health for you. We have been supporting a dear young woman in Jos, Nigeria for 15 years. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to know and love Hannah through the Rafiki Village there.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, you confirmed as TL of the Columbus North DW class 28 years ago. Thank you for the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I retired right after teaching Revelation (what a blessing). I'm so glad you are still using the voice and wisdom God has given you to be a blessing. May He enrich your final years with sweet fruit.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary, I will be reading, adding these lessons to the many you have already taught us. Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteYou continue to inspire me🌹
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteFor the 4th time I am trying to sign in. Mike and I love your blog. Keep sharing. Hugs. Beth
Thanks Rosemary! I look forward to following your blog and learning even more from you than I already have! Geri
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart with others ♡ May our gracious God continue to use you for His glory each day that He gives you. Psalm 71:18 & 92:14-15
ReplyDeleteThis is from Barbara Smith!
DeleteHello mama Rosemary,our family is glad that you have a blog that allow us follow up on your activities amidst this pandemic. We are glad you are able to move about and visit places close to you. Thank God for his protection and saving grace. Wishing you good health and strength from day to day.
ReplyDeleteGod bless Richlain Quire,
From Liberia
When l think of all l have already learnt from you Rosemary l am rich indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to learn more.
Greetings from Basel, Switzerland
We will continue to love learning from you, Rosemary, as we have for so many years.
ReplyDeleteWe love you,
Chris and Sandy
So thankful you are going to be able to get out! You know how to conduct yourself and protect yourself in wisdom. May the Lord Bless you as you live and love according to His perfect Will and purpose.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for the work of God in your life! May He continue to multiply the blessings of His grace in you, through Jesus Christ. You are a beautiful light, shining the abundance of your Father. Also, thankful you are moving and writing.
ReplyDeleteRosemary - Jerry and I first met you at your 1st BSF Leaders Retreat as the new Executive Director of BSF - at Mt. Hermon, California (March 1983 I think). It was our 1st BSF Retreat too....we "aged out" as TL's a few years ago. Your Leadership and Example has been HUGE in our lives! Thank you Rosemary! May the Lord Bless and Keep you in His protective care - as He always has! We look forward to your BLOG!
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteLiving by faith always looks risky to those who don't. Therefore, your life has been one risk after another to the average onlooker. I thank God for the many privileges you brought my way.
I look forward to reading what you write as we both continue to grow in the Lord.
Vivian
Dear Rosemary,I am so thrilled to be able to learn from your sharing again. Life is for living. Thank you for setting an example of living with a purpose and not be dictated by the virus. Our eternal security in Christ has made the difference in how we dare to move on in faith. I look forward to learning from your writing.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary, We are excited to continue to journey with you on this new venture. We thank God for you and your willingness to be His instrument in sharing the life lessons learned from your walk with Him. Looking forward to reading and learning. With love
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary, How blessed we are that you are sharing your wisdom with us. I have been abundantly blessed by your teaching and your leadership and I so look forward to reading your blog. What an inspiration you are to us! God bless you. Love, Diane Kanell
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for your example of courage and your willingness to 'step out' when the world says 'stay in'! You are truly a model for us all!
Much, much love, Elin and Paul
Rosemary, NOw I know why you are one of my favorite persons; you have the courage of your convictions and hope in the life here-after. This year has been full of pressures from friends and relatives to "be careful" (which I am) but I WILL NOT STOP LIVING! We go out to eat, go to live church services where we SING lustily WITHOUT MASKS, hug, eat together and shake hands. Mike and I have been meeting with family all year, eating out when we want, as well as having more time at home than usual. I/we choose to live while we are living. God be praised, neither of us has been ill for over 18 months. I believe that He will take me when He chooses. YOU inspire me, once again. Love, Gail
ReplyDelete