Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds.
WELCOME!
Grandma Baxter, my kids’ great-grandma, stitched a special embroidery for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before she died. She spent many a rainy afternoon sewing and praying for each one who would receive her special work of art. Currently, every one of those tapestries is a treasured masterpiece. She showed exceptional foresight and perseverance to achieve her goal and although she has now entered Heaven’s gates, we all have something beautiful to remember her by.
Without exception, the journey from life to death is something we will all do. Mostly, we do not give it much thought. We often only fleetingly consider that transition until it is imminent. But like Grandma, it doesn’t hurt to prepare. Notice how, instead of being a sombre and morbid obsession, she actively loved the generations ahead. The difference is attitude—she chose how she let the tough stuff affect her. Sometimes it seems like a total paradox. For example, how could Jesus’ brother, James really say, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds”?
This issue of Christian Woman is full of people facing the tough stuff, like Dale Garratt (page 32), Roslyn Ewart (page 38), Marina Prior (page 6) and Joy Luscombe (page 10). Clues on making adjustments to attitudes are revealed in Finding Joy (page 12), Empower (page 30) and Real Chicks Wisdom (page 34); and there are many down-to-earth ideas to live life to the full: Nurture (page 48), Wellbeing (page 18) and Hospitality (page 28).
Life, death, suffering, joy and immortality—no one is exempt from thinking about these. Perhaps, like Grandma, you will decide to bring hope to future generations.
With love
Jenny Baxter
Editor
jbaxter@mediaincorp.com
