BEAUTIFUL I WAS THINKIN about beauty. What really is beauty? Is it being seventeen forever? Is it perfect, clear skin? Is it long, thick, lush hair? Is it a perfectly proportioned, toned, fit body?
This beautiful lady couldn't make a claim to any of those attributes when I met her nine years ago. She was just a sweet, darling little lady. Then I was fortunate enough to begin to know her. First and foremost, Betty Beutler is a Christian. She never wanted anyone to mistake that. And it couldn't be mistaken. Because Betty is one of those very rare Christians who really exemplifies Christ's love.
Grandma Betty came to Lodi with her husband in the 50s. They came because her pastor husband's health required a moderate climate. In 1963, only a few years after moving to Lodi, Grandma Betty started another new chapter in life -- she became a widow. Grandma Betty stayed in Lodi. No family lived here. Some in other states and some in Canada, but none in Lodi. Grandma Betty stayed in Lodi. And I am so glad she did.
When I cam to Lodi 9 years ago, I was heartbroken. I was just separated from my husband of 12 years with two small children. I would meet Grandma Betty in my first year here in Lodi when I started to attend First Baptist Church. We were in a bible study group together. I learned that she was widowed and happily living a life of purpose and satisfaction. She had tremendous sympathy for me, but never suggested that I should be anything less than a complete woman on my own. Grandma Betty kept her focus on God for strength, courage and comfort and she shared that with all who came near.
In that last few years, it was my privelge to see Grandma Betty in my profession as a massage therapist. I always gave my best to her; but somehow I received more than I gave. That is just the kind of gentle, incredible woman God put into my life for a while.
Grandma Betty never owned a house. She never had a lot to speak of. Grandma Betty was one of the richest women I have ever known. She had tremendous sway with those who knew her. Seldom did you find Grandma Betty alone. Grandma Betty is loved and admired by the First Baptist Church family. We will be grateful for the lessons she taught us and the love she freely gave us.
Thank you, Grandma Betty, for providing such an incredible role model. Beauty is as beauty lives and you, Grandma Betty are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
GOODBYE GRANDMA BETTY
BEAUTIFUL I WAS THINKIN about beauty. What really is beauty? Is it being seventeen forever? Is it perfect, clear skin? Is it long, thick, lush hair? Is it a perfectly proportioned, toned, fit body?
This beautiful lady couldn't make a claim to any of those attributes when I met her nine years ago. She was just a sweet, darling little lady. Then I was fortunate enough to begin to know her. First and foremost, Betty Beutler is a Christian. She never wanted anyone to mistake that. And it couldn't be mistaken. Because Betty is one of those very rare Christians who really exemplifies Christ's love.
Grandma Betty came to Lodi with her husband in the 50s. They came because her pastor husband's health required a moderate climate. In 1963, only a few years after moving to Lodi, Grandma Betty started another new chapter in life -- she became a widow. Grandma Betty stayed in Lodi. No family lived here. Some in other states and some in Canada, but none in Lodi. Grandma Betty stayed in Lodi. And I am so glad she did.
When I cam to Lodi 9 years ago, I was heartbroken. I was just separated from my husband of 12 years with two small children. I would meet Grandma Betty in my first year here in Lodi when I started to attend First Baptist Church. We were in a bible study group together. I learned that she was widowed and happily living a life of purpose and satisfaction. She had tremendous sympathy for me, but never suggested that I should be anything less than a complete woman on my own. Grandma Betty kept her focus on God for strength, courage and comfort and she shared that with all who came near.
In that last few years, it was my privelge to see Grandma Betty in my profession as a massage therapist. I always gave my best to her; but somehow I received more than I gave. That is just the kind of gentle, incredible woman God put into my life for a while.
Grandma Betty never owned a house. She never had a lot to speak of. Grandma Betty was one of the richest women I have ever known. She had tremendous sway with those who knew her. Seldom did you find Grandma Betty alone. Grandma Betty is loved and admired by the First Baptist Church family. We will be grateful for the lessons she taught us and the love she freely gave us.
Thank you, Grandma Betty, for providing such an incredible role model. Beauty is as beauty lives and you, Grandma Betty are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen!
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1 comment:
What an awesome lady. I can only hope to be like her now and when Im older too.
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