HeaDuh says ...

ok I am not share why I am posting this, it might be silly but in my World Religions class we were watching a film and in the film was a quote. I have no idea why, I can't even find the wprds to describe it, but it touched me. It was strange how powerful these words were to me, and in the chance you might find as much meaning as I did I will share it:

  " We owe it to our lord to never fear anything"

 that's it...simple and to the point, but powerful in my opinion!



 God bless and later days!

Bob Clement says ...

 This article was written by Susan Gilbert about Ruth Tracy. I wanted to post it here because it is just a great story on Ruth and to encourage people to submit stories about Ruth. It does not have to be long or elaborate even a few sentences to say what she meant to you will do. But, time is running out and so far all we have is the one story from Heather and this one from Susan.
  Thank you Susan and I hope you don't mind my posting it here.

Ruth Esther Smith Tracy was born 82 “young” years ago in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She was the middle child, having an older brother who only lived four days and an older sister.  Ruth grew up to become a Registered Nurse and did her nurse’s training in Philadelphia.  Ruth married George and had four children: Kathleen, Ellen, Daniel and Carol Ann.  The Tracy’s moved to St. Petersburg in 1956, hoping to find a better environment for Kathleen’s respiratory problems.  They moved into a small home and one day George saw the sign for Trinity while driving. He was thrilled to see “Evangelical and Reformed” on the sign because he and Ruth were both raised E & R!  At that time, Trinity was the only E & R church in the area. George began taking the kids to Sunday School and Ruth soon followed. They joined in December of 1956. 
    

The biggest changes Ruth has seen? She remembers back in the day when there was no need for recruitment because people actually flocked to the church.  She also remembers when families left in a mass exodus for fundamental churches. Ruth feels her greatest life accomplishment was beginning one of the first chapters in the United States for the benefit of retarded children.  This was the LeHigh County (Pennsylvania)  Association for Retarded Children. She is very proud that she was instrumental in bringing discussions out of the closet at a time when many preferred to hide or deny the fact their child was developmentally disabled. 
    

Ruth has three personal mottos: Never to lose the thrill of learning; acceptance of the realities of life, knowing that God is loving, not punishing; and that the message of God is peace and justice. 
   

We are very happy that Ruth hung in with Trinity all of these years. As we all know, she remains a very active member who contributes much of her time to preserving our history and making sure Trinity stays in great shape!  

Bob Clement says ...

  WOW!! That is powerful. I can't even find words to speak to that. I responded to you in regular e-mail before I saw this post but I think as long as it comes from your heart any prayer you say no matter how you utter it God will understand.
  I guess I was a lot like this man a few years ago. Except my anger WAS directed more to God and I shed NO tears. I wouldn't give God the satisfaction. Maybe...had I had a wall...

Bob Clement says ...

Bob Clement says ...

  Now that's what I'm talking about. Thanks for sharing, Heather. It's a wonderful story and an awesome way to remember an incredible lady.
  I hope more will share stories as well, soon.

HeaDuh says ...

 In response to my dear father's post I must say this is an excellent idea. I was crushed when I heard the news about Ruth, but like many with tears in my eyes for our loss, I will rest easy knowing she is at peace and out of pain. Also for those of you who know me, know my love for my grandmother and how she has helped me in my journey with Faith. From the moment I met Ruth I loved her, in fact she was a big part of why I was so fond of Trinity instantaneously. Partly because she reminds me in many ways of my grandmother, but mostly because of the rare,humorous, amazing woman that she was.
I remember the first time I met her, during passing of the peace when I shook her hand and she said to me " I don't how you are related to us, but you sure are pretty!" Maybe it was the glee that I just received a compliment I didn't have to fish for, but at that moment i was hooked.
Trinity has loss a phenomenal member, and I believe we will all be effected by this greatly, but God sure has gained one heck of an angel. In fact, if she wasn't created in his eyes, I would say I hope he knows what he is getting himself into. :) but he does, and I must admit I am envious. Just like when my Hattie(grandmother) passed. I must confess though.. that I get a real treat out of imagining Ruth and my Hattie sitting with God, laughing and exchanging wit.
My most sincere condolences go out to the family of Ruth, and all of those who had the pleasure to know her, for how ever long.
Bless you all!! and much Love!
  RIP Ruth Tracy you will surely be missed, let me end this with the same quote I ended my grandmother's eulogy read my pastor Gaye herself. I believe this truly applies to Ruth...
   " Live your life so that when you are born you are crying and everyone around you is smiling, and when you die you are smiling and everyone around you is crying."

Bob Clement says ...

  As I am sure you all have heard, Ruth Tracy passed away Feb. 1, 2008 just before 6 PM. This is devastating news that will affect far more people than we know. I am sure through Ruth's life she had made an impact on so many lives. Just as she has our lives.
  I did not have long to know Ruth, just over a year. Not nearly as long as I would have liked but so glad I had the time I did.
  She would roll past me every Sunday and would always stop for a brief conversation. If nothing else but to ask where one of the three of us ( Donna, Shirley, or myself) was if one happened to be out sick.
  In Bible Study, she showed her knowledge, not just of the Bible, but all she had learned through her years. She was so smart. Although she read all the time, I think her life lessons taught her the most. 
  If you want to get to Heaven and see God but you just don't think you can be as good as Jesus was...try to emulate Ruth, there is no doubt in my mind that will get you there.
  I will miss her but I smile because I knew her.
  I would love to invite others that have known her much longer than I to leave a "Ruth Story" here. Any little stories you might recall, we can make this a tribute to a wonderful lady. When it's done it may be something uplifting that can bring a smile to her Family as they go through their grief.
  There was also an article in our news letter a few months back,all about Ruth, if anyone has that  still, it would be a nice thing to add here as well. 
  I Just keep thinking if Ruth could say one more thing...she IS saying...with a huge smile on her face and no walker...I MADE IT!!!!  I'M HOME!!!!!! 

Patti H says ...

What a great place to go and hear God, who is still speaking! Looking forward to the journey with y'all.

Bob Clement says ...

  Shirley's right, it is a lot of fun. We cover the chapters but we get side tracked into some wonderful adventures as well. It's like reading a great book that you can't know what will happen next. Please come give it a try. I promise, just like a good book, you won't be able to put it down. Come to think of it...I guess it is The Good Book.

Shirley Stevens says ...