Continuance: The Outlaw and His Family

By Judy Ingram

Lydia was John Ingrams sister. The Jefferson familys ranch was their next-door neighbor. Lydia and DAnna were very good friends. When John married DAnna, they became more like sisters. Lydia saw the beauty of their marriage. By then, Lydia had reached the age of twenty-five. Everyone was wondering if Lydia would become an old maid. Lydia did not pay any attention to other peoples thoughts. She trusted the Lord with her life. But will she ever get married and have a family? She only wanted what God wanted for her. Was there such a man? Would she end up an old maid as everyone was thinking?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543481990

Judy Ingram

I have lived many years. God gives wisdom through all the trials that we experience. When bad things happen, trust God to see you through and continue to give God all the glory. All that we encounter, we can use it to help others in their lives. Take what is handed to you and cause good from it. This series of books is meant for you to see that life continues on, so be faithful and true to the cause. Store up treasures in heaven, not on this earth. We will all be together soon in our new heaven and earth.

Book preview

1

After Pastor Joe Hodges; Helen, his wife; and Luke and Nancy, their children, were settled in the parsonage beside County Church, the church grew in abundance. It was so wonderful that Joe Hodges, the circuit rider, had gotten a church of his own so that he and his family could finally settle down. Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, Pastor Joe preached a sermon to the congregation. County Church was named for the county itself.

This morning we will look into Job’s life of testing. So if you will please turn to Job—it is before Psalms. Remember that Satan is still alive in this world, wreaking havoc on God’s people. We will all go through or have already been through trials and tribulations. Jesus came to guide us through these situations. We must learn to trust and obey God in all circumstances. We can learn a lot from Job. He knew that God was in control of everything and every life. He stayed faithful until the end. God promised that He would lead us through all our trials and that he would never leave or forsake us. Times of testing may come. Ephesians 6 tells us that we need to be ready for them by putting on the whole armor of God. In Job 38–42, God reminds Job and us of who he is. God asks the questions that no one else can answer. Please take the time to read these marvelous chapters. You will see that God’s ways are the best. During the difficult times, we must be humble before our Almighty God. The Civil War has been over for more than two decades. Let us put all disputes behind us and move forward. So now I leave you with God’s comforter in the Holy Spirit that Jesus left us with after His descension to heaven. Let us demiss in prayer.

Listening to Pastor Hodges, the congregation seemed to have a new outlook on life. These very words from the Holy Spirit will enable the people to have a spiritual vision for themselves and their neighbors.

Lydia, John Ingram’s sister, was sitting in church with D’Anna and John. John and D’Anna had been married for over five years. Their youngest boy, Luke, was in the toddler nursery, and Matthew, their oldest son, was in little church. Lydia went to pick up Matthew, and D’Anna picked up Luke while John was preparing his horse, Buster, and the buggy for their ride home.

There you are, Matthew. You are growing so big. Are you ready to go home and have your favorite meal? Lydia asked.

I am four years old now. Can we make ice cream after we have dinner? I want to help turn the handle on the churner. And may I have a chunk of ice too? asked Matthew. It is cold and feels good to my tongue.

Of course you may. Make sure you get one without salt on it. Let’s go so that we can get started on it, said Lydia.

John met Lydia, who walked with Matthew and D’Anna with slow-walking Luke in front of the church. They all boarded the buggy, and John helped with his pregnant wife, D’Anna. Lydia was still single. She trusted the Lord with her everyday life. She knew that God had a plan for her, and she was patiently waiting for His plan to pan out.

I want to pet Buster, said Matthew.

We will pet him when we get back home and change clothes, stated John.

As they were traveling home, they all discussed the pastor’s sermon. With God’s blessing, the county seemed to be thriving and flourishing.

It is true. We know all about trials and hardship, remembering Billy and her mother, D’Anna said. God really does walk with us through all our troubles. We are good examples of life in general.

John and Lydia knew about trials too. They had lost their parents in their younger age. John and Lydia had to learn to run the ranch as young adults. Lydia, said John, do you remember falling into the stream when you were twelve years old? You were trying to cross the stream on a log, and off you went headfirst. That was so funny.

That was over a decade ago, John. You mean that you still remember that? There I was facedown in the water, struggling to get up. And do you think that John rushed over to help me? No, he did not. He just stood there, laughing at me. He made me so mad that I forgot about being embarrassed falling into the stream. I did not speak to him for at least two days.

But I was the first to break the silence, said John. I whittled you a wooden toy doll because you made me feel bad by not helping you. I remember you looking up at me with those blue-green eyes. You were lost for words. Then you finally said thank you. We both apologized, and we have been on good terms ever since.

By the way, John, I still have that wooden doll. Can you believe that?

You do? After all these years. Now my heart is blessed. So you do still love me, said John, teasing.

I will always love you, John. After all, you are my only brother.

Lydia, I am planning to build a bridge over the stream by the lake and name that bridge Lydia’s Bridge in your honor. Then the ranch hands and I are going to build a picnic table by the lake. Our family is growing, and our children will be exploring the stream and lake just as you and I did.

John, that is so thoughtful of you. What a way to show your love toward me and our families.

2

Pastor Hodges, Helen, Luke, and Nancy walked home next door to the parsonage. There was a covered basket on their front doorstep. When they approached the porch, Pastor Joe picked up the basket and waited for his family to enter the house. He walked into the kitchen and placed the basket on the table. Helen walked over as Joe was uncovering the basket, smelling the aroma of fried chicken and homemade baked bread. It also contained a large quart jar of canned string beans and potatoes.

Joe looked at Helen and said, We are so blessed. I will get this prepared while you set the table, and we can all dig in.

When the table was set, Joe thanked the Lord for the food and thanked God tremendously for his blessings. He asked a blessing upon the ones that had prepared the dinner. Luke was eleven years old, and he was just ready to eat. He was a growing boy.

I believe that this basket belongs to Mrs. Elliott. I remember seeing her pick up this same basket from church one day after a meal that we had. When I return it, I will just have to thank her and let her know how much we appreciate her and her family, said Helen.

We are saying a lot of thank yous here lately. But I love to say thank you, said Joe. God blesses all those who give with a cheerful heart.

Joe had been noticing how Helen always looked so tired. Helen, you go lie down after dinner and I and the children will clean up the kitchen.

"Thank you, Joe. I do feel a little weak. I have been feeling kind of tired these past few weeks. Maybe it is the pregnancy.