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While sorting through a storage box of my mother's things, a tattered paperback book landed before my feet. The title caught my eye "Making It Through the Toughest Days of Grief" by Meg Woodson. A small yellow post-it referenced a passage and I thought, "Oh, mom left another message" of which I have found several during my job clearing up her affairs. The highlighted passage under 'Mother's Day' read:
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"If the death of a child is the most unnatural of deaths, the death of a mother is the most elemental. No one will ever wait for me to call or visit the way my mother waited. No one will sacrifice for me the way my mother sacrificed. No one else has been with me from the beginning. My mother's love was impaired - she was human- but it was a mother's love.” |
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This years Mother's Day has come and gone, the first without her as will every other of the "Toughest days of the Year". I weep more now than I did when she first left us, especially the mornings not receiving her wake up calls, and the evenings by not being able to relay my day's events.
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Subsequently, I received a letter from a long-time supporter asking honestly why she should continue contributing now that my mother has passed. That heartfelt inquiry gave me an opportunity to reflect exactly what we are doing. One thing is clear: the Barbara Johnson Foundation is not her ministry, nor is it mine. It's your ministry now!
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You -- those who continually contribute, who sought her encouragement and advice, who cried and anguished over family losses, read her books, listened to her tapes, heard her speak and overcame the anguish and survived – It's your ministry now!
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Mom always said, "Don't waist your pain!" We are obligated to help others through life's difficult situations. Sharing the insights we gained, be that guiding light to those going through their own deep valley of sorrow and aloneness. Point the way to that "door of hope" God provides to make it and survive. She's gone now, but we are still here with that responsibility. I promised her before she died I would steward her legacy and of which you have supported all these years.
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So why support the foundation? "Because my mom would want you to! The need is still here and continually growing. The sorrows and losses will still confront us and we must be ready to help those who presently flounder and so desperately seek our help."
Mom never asked for donations but relied on those who felt "led". During these difficult economic times, many foundations and charities are suffering, and we are no different. I have given a large portion of my own inheritance towards the foundation because I believe in you and what you have done and will continue to do. I look forward to seeing God's miracle unfold in the work we are committed to provide and I pray God's mercy in our future endeavors.
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Joyfully,
David Johnson
Executive Director
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COMING SOON ...
With Barbara Johnson around,
the Gloomees don't have a chance!
With an attitude of love and a heart that's overflowing with joy, Barbara Johnson helps you learn not only to endure life, but to enjoy it!
Pack Up Your Gloomees is filled with bittersweet stories of Barbara's journey through the minefields of life and her wise and encouraging responses to letters from hurting parents. Best of all, each chapter aids with a day-brightening laughter-packed collection of Gloomee Busters! |
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Barbara lovingly lights the way for others by sharing her own struggles with questions such as:
* How do I cope when my kids break my heart?
* How can I let go of my loved one?
* How can I forgive and forget what was done to me?
* After love, what's the most important thing parents can give their kids?
* Will I ever laugh again? How long will the pain last? | |
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COMING SOON ...
"Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life!"
Living Life Joyfully
The second in our DVD Series, you will be infused with JOY and some tools to help you cope with life AND LOVE IT!!! Then you will feel, after watching this DVD that you are "too blessed to be stressed!"
The release date will be in both The Love Line newsletter and on www.BarbaraSpatulaJohnson.com,
So, stay tuned!!!! |  | |
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Famed author and Women of Faith speaker Barbara Johnson's home is up for sale! Known as "The Geranium Lady" and "The Queen of Encouragement", Barbara won the hearts of millions with her trademark wit and humor from the fires of adversity. For 30 years, she and her husband Bill served hurting families through their non-profit "Spatula Ministries" which they ran from this home.
Along with her famous "Joy Room", this home is where she authored books hitting the Christian Book Association's Bestseller lists with more than five million copies in 44 editions and in 32 foreign languages currently in print worldwide.
FEATURED HOME FOR SALE:
The tour begins in this large sunny enclosure that can be a hobby Room, exercise room or a room to just relax and enjoy life. This Home has many extras, 4 skylights, 3 stained glass doors, and a new Air Conditioner, this lovely home was painted inside and out in 2007.
The living room opens into the enclosure through a beautiful stain Glass door. Off the living room is a small cozy corner, great spot to curl up with a good book. The kitchen is a bright room with a skylight and a stain glass door. Off the kitchen is a small office sewing room or Whatever hobby you enjoy. The laundry room is off the kitchen with a large storage cabinet.
Rent on this home is $754.00
Space #117
DISCOVER LAKE PARK - La Habra!
Beautiful Reflection Lake with Fishing, Homes Designed for Maximum Privacy, Spacious Clubhouse Accommodates Large Groups or Intimate Gatherings, Security of a Walled Community, Full-Time On-Site Professional Management, Heated Swimming Pool and Soothing Spa, Friendly Neighbors Who Share Pride in their Community, Social Club with Busy Calendar, Community for Active Adults 55+, Contemporary Custom Designed Homes
Address: 2230 Lake Forest Circle, La Habra
Two Bedrooms, Two Baths
Approx. Sq.Ft.:1368
Serial No.: 50854 U/X
Reduced Price
Listing Price: $120,000.00
Ask For: Barbra or Zada
Phone: (714) 992-2770
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 HOME SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE
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