With My Hand in His: A Collection of Inspirational Poetry, Prose, and Other Ponderings

By Virginia Phillips Kreft

Do you desire intimacy with Jesus? He desires it with you. A look at the Song of Solomon confirms that. Just as with a husband and wife, intimacyreal oneness with Himrequires above all else, love and selflessness, and must include determination, time, and faithfulness. So it is with our Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Is your path of life difficult? He says This is the way, walk in it. Learn to read and follow His road map, as you grasp tightly to His hand and follow Him, through the seasons of life. Be encouraged as the author shares years of personal experience and life lessons. Learn some of the most essential elements required to abiding in Christmoment by moment consciously aware of, and present to, His presence.

Spanning the seasons of life with a variety of subjects, the author speaks to the heart of all readers. Wherever you are in your Christian walk, WITH MY HAND IN HIS will arouse in you a new desire for a deeper relationship with Christ.

Be astonished at what God accomplished in a young womans life because she never gave up hope in Him. In WITH MY HAND IN HIS, I am reminded that God is who He says He is, and we can confidently rely on Him through all the seasons of our lives, if we keep our hand in His and believe that hope lives on.

Little did I know (but God knew), when the author asked me to help her edit her writing, I would be in deep need of the encouragement found in her book.

Helen Nordquist, With My Hand in His editor

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490800349

Virginia Phillips Kreft

For years, Virginia has been writing a featured column, “A Moment with Ginna,” for Grace Lines, a newsletter for the church she attends. Her prose and poetry have been shared in various ways but never before published. Her determination to always walk life's pathway with her hand in God's has led her to continually seek a more intimate relationship with Christ, which she longs for every child of God to experience. Recently widowed, she lives in Rhinelander, Wisconsin; her grown children and grandchildren live nearby.

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Copyright © 2013 Virginia Phillips Kreft.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-0033-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0034-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013913642

WestBow Press rev. date: 9/26/2013

All Scriptures unless marked otherwise are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Scripture marked NLT are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION Copyright 1996 by Tyndale House Publisher’s Inc.. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scripture marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the AMPLIFIED BIBLE Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scripture marked KJV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE KING JAMES VERSION. Scripture marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE. Copyright 1962,1963,19681971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1975, 1977, 1995, by the Lockman Foundation

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction—Part One

Which Is Your Favorite?

Spring

Believe…

Then Came the Rains

The Certainty of Change

The End Before The Beginning

I Will Go On

Goals and Methods…?

Easter

What’s In Your Alabaster Jar?

More Than a Cliché

Glory in the Cross

For Me Alone

A Resurrection Progressive

When the Angels Were Silent

Summer

The Parable of the Pansy

A Summer Treat—Taste and See

Rooted and Built up

Let The Sunshine In

Hear the Daisies of the Field

Beauty from the Storm

Joy Comes in the Morning

Take the Plunge!

Come To the Waters

This Is the Refreshing

Annual Church Picnic

Life-giving Aroma Therapy

On the Jericho Road

Higher Ground

Autumn

Autumn Introspection

Bring to the Storehouse

Romping

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Thanksgiving

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep…

Assorted Shades of Grace

Thanks for the Memories

Heartfelt Thanks

Grace Comes Before Thanks-giving

To Thanksgivings Past

Winter

Suddenly it’s Winter!

Stand Still—Behold!

Be Still and Know

Christmas

The Incarnation

Optional But Essential…

Tell the Children

A Simple Advent Devotion

The Joy of Belief

Daystar

I Wish You Joy…

Happy New Year!

My New Year Prayer for You

I Pray You Enough

A New Year—An Open book

Waste Not—Want Not

Would-a; Should-a; Could-a…

A Work in Progress

Today Is the Day…

Alone in His Presence

Valentine’s Day

Magnified Through Love

Unfathomed—Unending Love

Do I Love Jesus?

A Friend Loves at All Times

Attitude Creates Reality

A Good Word For Any Season!

Always Begin With Praise

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Who Can Explain It?

One Night in May

My Daughter—My Friend

A Prayer for a June Bride

Two Roses

May Becomes December

My Husband

A Sacred Commentary

I Think I’ll Get Radical

Final Moving Day

Epilogue

Hope Lives On

Preface

Hope Lives On

An update…

Foreword

Have you ever dreamed about sitting on a front porch swing, with the sun setting and the prairie stretched out before you? And what if the grandest of storytellers sits with you, reminiscing of a time gone by and bringing the past into the reality of today? That’s what reading Ginna Kreft’s recent book WITH MY HAND IN HIS, is like.

With the fluidity of a lifelong writer, Ginna brings you into the world of her longtime friends and family as they traverse the joys and pains of this world. Nothing is out of bounds as she whispers these stories into your ear. To give you even greater access into her life—and ultimately yours—you are treated to actual letters and poems written during the events to give clarifying light to the heart that is searching for, and finds meaning in, all that is happening.

Why should you read the story of someone you don’t know? Because too many stories today are about what is wrong and how depressing life can be. Death, war, family struggles and a lack of resources penetrate our relationships and mindset. We are starting to believe the news that there is no way out. You need to sit down on the swing with Ginna and hear the stories of WITH MY HAND IN HIS.

Yes, they tell of death, struggles and a lack of things in this material world…but they don’t stop there. Hope is given. Truth is brought back. Faith is paramount! She reminded me, and will remind you, that God is always faithful, your family is your strong support beam and a faithful friend sticks closer than any other.

I commend not only this book to you but a person. As you allow these words to speak, you won’t see printed letters on a page. You will hear the voice of a wise friend sitting next to you on a porch swing as the sun sets.

—Pastor Joseph R. Fehlen, Author of RIDE ON: A Motorcycle Journey to Awaken the Soul and Rediscover its Maker.

Dedications and Acknowledgments

To Bill, my lifetime partner, my husband of nearly 59 years; father of my daughters, and my closest friend…How I wish he could see this finished project…Somehow I have this uncanny sense that perhaps in some way he can…

I still have moments of difficulty in realizing he is no longer here. I think I will always be aware of a special presence that more than fifty-eight years of loving each other has left with me.

His favorite chair is oh so empty,

And yet for a moment I see him there,

His voice no longer breaks the silence,

But his words of love still fill the air:

"Can I get you a cup of coffee?

Would you like me to get the car?

Leave that now, we’ll do it tomorrow,

Please be careful, don’t walk too far."

Yes, tears still flow, but tears can heal,

So I go on with joy in my heart,

More than fifty-eight years of caring and sharing,

Such sweet memories can never depart.

I decided to attempt putting this book together shortly before Bill entered the hospital for a relatively simple, outpatient surgical procedure. Following the procedure, things went awry and he never did return home to me. After thirty-six days in the Intensive Care Unit, Bill went home to be with the Lord. That was six months ago as I write this. I won’t try to share here the necessary grieving process that my family and I are still working our way through —with God’s help. Many of you have been there. Of course, my book was put on hold for a while. However, I knew I had to continue for several reasons, not the least being in honor of Bill…The initial decision to finally take the plunge, to sign on the bottom line so to speak, was the last major decision he and I were able to make together. I pray his faith in me will be justified. I’m so thankful for the patience he had with me for so many years—he has been a significant help in teaching me the benefits of Philippians 4:6: Be anxious for nothing… So, I will be anxious for nothing but to join him someday soon, when God also calls me home.

~~~~~~~

To my youngest sister Peg, who for years has kept asking, When are you going to put a book together? Three months after Bill’s passing, before I could muster the desire to get back to this book project, it became obvious that Peg would soon reach the end of her brave 18 month journey with (inoperable/incurable) pancreatic cancer. With her hand in His, Peg went to be with the Lord less than four months after Bill. I am so grateful for Peg’s inspiration…The courageous way she faced the seemingly imminent end to this life; and the shining example she left for us who still face that final journey. For whatever reason, God has already given me 13 years more on this earth than she had; and I’m keenly aware that I have procrastinated too long in compiling this book. In honor of Peg, I will try to be a better steward of the days I have left. When my time draws near, should I have to linger awhile—knowing as Peg knew…I pray that I can walk my final course displaying the same peace, faith and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty that she exhibited.

When does a sister become a friend?

Who but God can create such a blend?

Where does she become the best of you?

What is this bond that defines so few?

How do you go on when God calls her home?

With the same grace and strength she’s so steadfastly shown.

Why will she really ne’er from you depart?

She’ll always be with you—she lives on in your heart.

~~~~~~

To the family most near and dear to my heart: My daughter Billie Jo and Grandson Alexander; my daughter Chrystina and Son-in-law Jeff. More than anyone else, this book is for you—your legacy in a way.

I would not have made it without you, this past year. Thank you—most of all for your love, it gives me strength; and for your unselfish, sometimes sacrificial support in so many areas of my life. You are each in your own individual way so very precious to me, and, of course, the pride of my life. God blessed me abundantly when He made me your Mother. Dad was always so proud of you, and if he could see the way you look out for me in his place, he would be even more proud!

~~~~~~~

To Berniece and Ron, the most caring and supportive sister and brother anyone could ask for—thank you! Your contribution toward this book and my welfare will not go unnoticed by God.

~~~~~~~

To my very special niece Kendra and her husband Darrell. You have a special place in my heart, and always will. Thank you for your loving support.

~~~~~~~

To Helen, my dear friend and cohort in Christ, thank you for your support; for your help with proofing and your constructive critique. I will always be grateful God brought us together so many years ago. You have been a benefit to my life as well as this book. You are a treasured gift from God. "Like God, you correct my mistakes. Like God, you do so gently—thank you for being so much like Him." (Borrowed from Max Lucado in LIVE LOVED).

~~~~~~~

To each of my family and friends whose ardent interest and encouragement along the way have been a source of inspiration, especially when I got bogged down with the project—you know who you are!

Preface

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. —Proverbs 16:9

I’m walking hand in hand with Jesus,

I’m trusting Him to lead the way,

I know that if I ever cling to Him

He’ll never let me go astray…

Yes, I am walking and talking,

Walking all the way with Him.

—Unknown

This book is about a journey, mostly my own journey; but each of us must walk a similar path…And on the way, we share or cross paths with many who influence our walk to some extent. It is good to occasionally recall and thank God for such influences. To understand the meaning in the title of this book, it will help somewhat to have known and returned the deep love of someone special in your life (parent, first love, husband or wife…To have experienced the feeling of love, joy, security…of hope, promise, commitment and more…Simply in the way you can always sense them grasping your hand tightly in theirs as you walk the various paths of life. I have enjoyed the privilege of experiencing this daily in my walk with Christ… You’ve heard it said, in reality, Christianity is not a Religion, it is a Relationship…

Perhaps you have never had such an experience…then I invite you to let this book point you in the right direction…Jesus will fill that void—to full and overflowing.

This is not a novel and not something I recently decided to write—it is instead an anthology of things I’ve written over the years, primarily to and for myself, relating to my walk with God. Thoughts…about things I’ve observed, things I’ve heard, things I’ve learned along the way—from God, through His Word—His Spirit—His heart—His Church.