Heart Reflections Live
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
My Brother, Mark
I cannot think of my brother, Mark, without my mind travelling back to the days of our golden childhood together, and I, once again, become the little girl I once was, laughing and playing with my closest companion. I cannot visit my childhood home without meeting "the ghosts of our former selves", running in the yard, playing in or under the trees, or down by the creek.
I remember...
.Mark and I putting on shows together for the family at Christmas
.How we would sing in the car together on the way home from day trips to places like Yarraman and the Bunya Mountains.
.The time we built and painted our clubhouse in the top shed.
.The birthday Mark received Blinky Bill.He awoke to a pile of presents in the lounge room, hugged Blinky lovingly and went to see Mum and Dad without opening anything else.
.The year the Easter Bunny decided we were too naughty for eggs and gave them to Mum and Dad instead!
.Our "secret place" and log bridge over the creek
.Happy hours spent playing Monopoly, Chess, building houses out of cards, riding our big tricycle, ball games outside and swimming at Stumers Creek.
.Wappa Dam and Mullers Park with Pop and Nanna.
.How Mark, the man, was a faithful friend, and gave up his bed more than once to those in need.
. Our final meeting and the "I love you, too."
I'm thankful for the near 42 years, I had with my little brother, Mark. I was blessed to be called his sister. I still see glimpses of Mark, the boy, in the cheekiness of our son, Christopher's smile- he'll not be forgotten.
I remember...
.Mark and I putting on shows together for the family at Christmas
.How we would sing in the car together on the way home from day trips to places like Yarraman and the Bunya Mountains.
.The time we built and painted our clubhouse in the top shed.
.The birthday Mark received Blinky Bill.He awoke to a pile of presents in the lounge room, hugged Blinky lovingly and went to see Mum and Dad without opening anything else.
.The year the Easter Bunny decided we were too naughty for eggs and gave them to Mum and Dad instead!
.Our "secret place" and log bridge over the creek
.Happy hours spent playing Monopoly, Chess, building houses out of cards, riding our big tricycle, ball games outside and swimming at Stumers Creek.
.Wappa Dam and Mullers Park with Pop and Nanna.
.How Mark, the man, was a faithful friend, and gave up his bed more than once to those in need.
. Our final meeting and the "I love you, too."
I'm thankful for the near 42 years, I had with my little brother, Mark. I was blessed to be called his sister. I still see glimpses of Mark, the boy, in the cheekiness of our son, Christopher's smile- he'll not be forgotten.
Monday, May 07, 2012
A Return to Blogging
We have been through some deep waters lately, but have been overwhelmed by the goodness and grace of God. His plans for us and His Sovereign will never cease to amaze me.
I would like to thank everyone who lifted up prayers of intercession for my brother, Mark, who I posted about last November. Mark did have cancer, and was adamant that he did not want surgery, chemo or radiation- only natural therapies. He spent a week in hospital after collapsing soon after Christmas, had some tests done, then discharged himself. I was so worried. It was made harder by the fact that he didn't want me to see him so sick, and only allowed visits with my parents. Prayer was my only option- I prayed fervently.
I was told he was going to stay with friends out at the coast to recuperate.
I prayed that
God would put Christians around him, surround him with his peace, manifest His Presence to Mark, and to have mercy upon Mark.
God answered every point of my prayer. Mark's friend who invited him to stay was a fellow believer in Christ! He cared for my brother physically, when he was no longer able to walk, showing God's mercy in practical ways. He tried to get my brother to seek medical help, but brother dear was too stubborn.. Mark was happy to be there and felt so much peace. Best of all 2 weeks before he passed away peacefully, Mark prayed-without being pushed in the slightest way-and made Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour. His friend testified to this at his funeral and subsequently shared the Gospel with around 2oo people! I will be forever thankful to the man God used to bring my brother into His Kingdom, and I will continue to worship our God who is indeed Mighty to Save!!
I would like to thank everyone who lifted up prayers of intercession for my brother, Mark, who I posted about last November. Mark did have cancer, and was adamant that he did not want surgery, chemo or radiation- only natural therapies. He spent a week in hospital after collapsing soon after Christmas, had some tests done, then discharged himself. I was so worried. It was made harder by the fact that he didn't want me to see him so sick, and only allowed visits with my parents. Prayer was my only option- I prayed fervently.
I was told he was going to stay with friends out at the coast to recuperate.
I prayed that
God would put Christians around him, surround him with his peace, manifest His Presence to Mark, and to have mercy upon Mark.
God answered every point of my prayer. Mark's friend who invited him to stay was a fellow believer in Christ! He cared for my brother physically, when he was no longer able to walk, showing God's mercy in practical ways. He tried to get my brother to seek medical help, but brother dear was too stubborn.. Mark was happy to be there and felt so much peace. Best of all 2 weeks before he passed away peacefully, Mark prayed-without being pushed in the slightest way-and made Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour. His friend testified to this at his funeral and subsequently shared the Gospel with around 2oo people! I will be forever thankful to the man God used to bring my brother into His Kingdom, and I will continue to worship our God who is indeed Mighty to Save!!
