Last year after my parents moved into their new house, I was helping my father unpack and set up his study we came across a postcard that contained two scripture verses. I asked my father what the origins of the postcard were.
He said that he had this postcard framed for many, many years in his offices at Bethlehem Church, Syracuse
and then finally their house in Lake Wallkill.
He told me he loved the two scripture verses
and they meant a lot to him.
I, of course, couldn't read the scripture verses because they were in German.
I asked my father to read them for me but, unfortunately, he couldn't. His eyesight was so poor that day.
He told me to take the postcard home with me and put it someplace special and that when his eyes were feeling better he would come and read the scriptures for me.
Well, that day never came.
My father had his accident a few days later and then died three weeks later.
I placed the postcard on the windowsill above the kitchen sink, wishing I could figure out what the scripture verses were. I tried a few German to English websites in hopes of maybe figuring out a few words, but nothing worked.
Until...my father's cousin, Ellie, from Germany
came for a visit last fall.
I asked her to please try and read the postcard so I could finally know the verses my father had with him these many years. It was very hard to do...even though Ellie is fluent in German, the postcard was written in old German script.
With a little work below are the two verses that meant so much to my father and now to me.
It's the last thing I have that my father gave me.
Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
"This is the way; walk in it."
Psalms 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Flat Creek Farm says
What a wonderful and precious gift from your father. I'm praying that the Colonel is better, and that he was able to return home today. Blessings to you and your family!~Tammy
Nellie's Cozy place says
Hi Lois,
So what is happening with Phil??
Did he get to come home???
I sure hope so, but most important is that they are taking
very good care of him.
Still praying hon,
Blessings, Nellie
Jess says
Thank you for sharing such a poignant account of your relationship with your Dad.
What a godly heritage!
Prayers continue for your husband's complete healing and for the whole family.
In His grip ~
Linda C says
It's so nice that you were able to get your postcard translated- those are wonderful verses- and so special to you now.
Still praying for your hubby- I hope he continues to heal!
Hugs,
Linda
Charli and me says
Good afternoon Lois, I'm sorry your hubby didn't get to come home yesterday. I know how hard that is. I will pray he can come home today. The verses are beautiful. What a treasure you have from your father ♥ I have written them down.
FeeBeeKay says
The more I read about your Dad, Lois, the more I realise that he was a life-changing, inspirational man to so many people. You were truly blessed to have him in your life, and what a wonderful and appropriate time for his message to open itself up to you. I haven't been around much over the last few days, but know that we have been thinking of you all and keeping you and the Colonel in our prayers. Much love to you and trusting that he is home and comfortable with you now. Fiona x
Gundo vom Haus Sevens says
I know that hospitalization has been extremely stressful on all of you. Many good thoughts coming your way today!
Jane
The Whites says
What a treasure you have in that postcard! I'm so glad you were able to translate the verses.
Praying that all goes well with the healing!
Mandy
a corgi says
wow, what a beautiful testimony to the Lord for those 2 verses your father had and his love for them. Those are both awesome verses (and the Isaiah one I have memorized in my lists of favorites)
just think the Lord knew all of this and when you would be able to interpret those Scriptures and when you would need them the most; what an awesome God we serve 🙂
hoping your Colonel can come home today
betty
Susie from Bienvenue says
So sweet to have something from your DAd~
Jill says
Oh my word, that was beautiful. I needed that this morning - thank you!
SILVER says
It's great that you now know the 2 verses that your dad loved so much.
Glad to know your husband is getting good medical attention and resting and hopefully able to return home soon.
A Hint of Home says
Sorry your hubby did not get to come home yesterday.
We can certainly learn from those verses. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa says
Your father must be smiling down on you, knowing that you have shared such a heartwarming story, and beautiful words with all of your blog friends.
The colonel has to get home from the hospital, so you can cook him all of the recipes you can read today. Just remember to add garlic to the couscous!
Hugs,
Lisa
So blessed! says
Love both those scriptures.
Be strong and take heart and know that God is healing up the Colonel at this very moment. God is good...all the time.
I heard a song this morning by Israel Houghton called If Not For Your Grace. I just sat here and soaked it up. This is just a short season you all are going through and tomorrow is a new day!
An Accomplished Woman says
I hope he can come home today. You will feel better with him at home. Thanks for sharing the last gift from your father. I love those scriptures. Your father must have had deep faith. Those scriptures strike me as a reminder to always look to the Lord.
Cynthia
Heidi Pocketbook says
A very interesting and touching story. I'm not only happy you have the postcards, but that you finally have them translated.
Hope your dh is able to come home today.
LDH says
Good Morning, Lois! Your husband came to mind several times yesterday and each time I lifted a prayer for you guys.
The postcard is indeed very special. Happy you were able to have it translated and now find even more encouragement in its words.
thinking of you, ldh
Blessings each day says
Amazing that a postcard became such a treasure and it truly is...silly that the world places value only on costly items!
Will be praying that all soon returns as close to normal as possible till the healing process is complete.
blessings and hugs,
marcy
Nellie's Cozy place says
Morning Sunshine,
What a precious gift you father left you with!! For those of us who did not come from believing families we can only imagine how wonderful that would be. I am sure that must be a comfort to you right now with all you are going thru with Phil. Hope he was able to come home today hon.
My heart is with you.
blessings, Nellie