August 25, 2013

It’s been a very sad week. My last surviving sibling, my sister Ila Wright, went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly. Oh, how I wish I could be at the memorial services to support the family and say farewell to my beloved sister, but that is not possible. So instead, I wrote the following to honor her life of faithfulness and godliness through many difficult trials.

August 24, 2013

Dear Jill,
I am devastated that I can’t come up there for Ila’s memorial service. I know it is impossible for me to do, but feel badly all the same. I am writing my own tribute to her memory and am sending it to you. I don’t know what kind of service you have planned but sometimes in a more casual memorial service, they ask people to stand and share a word or two. I am sending you mine. I would like to have it read if that is possible. It would please me very much and help me to feel that I was there honoring her as I deeply want to do. My heart is full of tears as I write this because I will miss her so. How I will miss answering the phone and hearing, ,”Hi, It’s Ila.”

How can I put a whole lifetime of memories into a few meaningful sentences? It is impossible but I will try because I want to be there to honor Ila and since I can’t, I must do my best to let you know how much I wish I was with you to say “goodbye” to one of the dearest people I know.
MY heart is crying because of my loss. Ila, I know, Is no longer sad nor does she have tears for anyone. I truly believe she is happily greeting Andy; she is hugging once again her darling child, Jackie, and she is also with my dear mom who we all still miss. There are many other dear loved ones who have graduated to a better life ad they are all there with her giving her love.

I am one of the very few left who has known Ila from childhood on. Over 84 years she has had more than her share of tragedies. She probably considered me to be one of the first. Into her four year old life came this upstart baby to take her place as the baby of the family. Ila never complained about life’s trials but she often complained about the blonde curly haired baby that took her sister Rhea’s attention away. I can still hear her say, “Rhea played with Irma Jane’s hair but wouldn’t touch my stick straight dutch boy bob.

I went on to be annoying all through the teen years. I was there when she didn’t want me to interfere with her friends. I snuck out of house work by hiding in the apple tree. Mom made her read and entertain me when I was bedridden for a year. I wore her clothes and didn’t put them away. I was a horrible nuisance.

She did so many nice things for me as a teen. I was in a car accident and felt disfigured. Ila went to Lansing and bought me a prom dress that was the envy of every girl at Ludington High. Dresses in Ludington then were all alike but Ila found one in Lansing so different and stylish that I felt whole again. It was so special that dress.

Over the years, we’ve all had hard things to overcome. Overcoming the death of a child, raising a handicapped child, caring for an aging mother-in-law, caring for her own mother as she aged, living through the tragedy of her husband’s death by horrible accident; those were the biggest ones. Yet she met each trial with strength and courage.

The Bible tells us to find joy in all things especially in everyday life. Ila did that. She found such joy in the simple things of gardening, preserving, canning, baking the most fabulous bread in the world, caring for the neighbors; all these things she counted as joy. I will miss her so much. We never got to spend enough time together.

Ila was not adventuresome. She was actually a big coward. She pushed me ahead of her up the dark stairway so I would meet the bogeyman first. I had to do everything first to see if it was safe. I got back at her though, when we got older. I pushed her to climb down into the Grand Canyon and then back out. I pushed her on a long hike in Jasper National Park to an alpine meadow. That one scared me and I believed maybe she was right to be scared of some things. In Jasper, We crossed a wide stretch of snow to get to the top of the mountain. Ila was happily exclaiming over the tiny alpine flowers when I heard a thunderous roar. Across the valley I saw a huge cloud of snow erupt into the valley floor. Knowing we had to cross that snow field to get back down, I was scared witless. Ila followed me across that field high-stepping in my tracks as I went as carefully as I could back to solid ground.. I never told her about the avalanche. I was afraid she’d never go with me again. She did though and we traveled to so many places together. She went to China, Italy , Brazil and all over Europe. She loved to travel and loved to get back home.

Later, when traveling days were over we just had fun being together. Now she is the big sister again. Going ahead of me to test the waters of the unknown. This time she didn’t push me ahead of her. She went first. Hers is a graduation celebration. We celebrate her graduation to Glory with Jesus. She now has earned a life with Jesus, free of all sorrow and tears; only the joy of eternal love.

Ila has left behind a legacy of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness No one exemplifies the fruits of the Spirit more than she did. She was a good friend, a good neighbor, a good mother, grandma and great grandma. Whatever role she played she did it well.

I will miss her so much. I am crying in my heart today because I should be there with you all to honor Ila’s life. I am with you in spirit though as we together feel blessed beyond measure to have had Ila in our lives.

August 19, 2013

Hi to all of You,

It is way past time to catch you up on my doings. Since I wrote last, I have come back to Ohio to a rehab facility here in Medina. It is brand new and just lovely. I feel like I am in a luxury hotel. Of course, the nurses don’t treat you any differently. You still get interrupted all the time with pill taking and vital signs taking. The worst was a pill at 2:30 a.m. for indigestion. I haven’t ever had indigestion. I was sleeping very soundly for once. I asked an experienced nurse why one might do that and she replied that maybe the nurse was trying to keep awake herself and needed something to do.

The trip back was uneventful. I worried for nothing which is a usual thing to worry about. I was not too uncomfortable and my arrival here was expected and I was treated as a special guest. This place is so beautiful. It has just opened and so the rooms are only 1/3 full. Therefore, I get a lot of attention, as does everyone else who is looking for healing here.

My Weymouth family has been very faithful to visit and so has my own family. I get to see Jackie more here than I did at home and Jess too. She has been here with the little ones several times already. Little Coley likes the open area with the gazebo best because he like to play in all the mulch. Eat it too. Jim and Kathy came to see me too. Also Lindsay and Ivan came from Huntington. Their visit was the best medicine I could have. I haven’t seen them since Mother’s Day. Jim’s van was utilized to get me to my home and I was able to sit in my very own chair for a little nap. Looking at my home and my yard just seemed so satisfying.

God has been so faithful in getting me to the right place. I know there is a purpose in everything. Who’s prayer is He answering now? Possibly it is even the person who built this place and prayed to have it be a blessing for him and for others. His plans are so intricate and go far beyond my best imaginings that I shouldn’t try to figure it all out. I have to learn to TRUST! I am trying to go along with Him and do the best I can to be a light wherever I am. Thank all of you for being an encouragement to me. You lend me the feeling that I do have a purpose. God bless and keep you until I write again. Please pray that I can find time to be alone with Jesus. I miss my alone time with Him. My time to feel His presence and talk to Him is often interrupted.

Thank you for your prayers and know that you are prayed for too.

August 9, 2013

Hi to Everyone on this gloomy Monday in Michigan.

I have spent the morning in rehab – from 9 to 12. They are working as hard as they can to get my leg back in working order. So far it is still like a big log that I have to lift around to get it anywhere. It is no longer painful, aches quite a bit but that is tolerable. I cannot put ANY weight on it so the rehab centers on getting the rest of my body stronger. When the bones heal enough, then the work of getting that leg strong again will start. I’m looking at a long process and a big bill. My medicare runs out this Friday. Fortunately, I have a supplemental insurance to help out.
Jackie is coming to get me tomorrow. She will bring me back to Medina on Sunday the 11th. Hopefully, there will be a slot for me ready and waiting. I want very much to go home to Hickory Grove, but will have to do whatever is necessary to get well first.

I am so anxious to see all of you and to have you visit me. I have been somewhat lonely here. The kids come and so do others but it is not like feeling at home in Medina where my spiritual family is nearby.

I tool around in a manual wheelchair. I am ashamed to utter one word of discontent. So many here are so much worse than I am. I wish I could gather them all up and heal their hurts. Problem is: they don’t want to be gathered up. They seem to want to just sit and scowl or holler.
I do have a lovely roommate. She has had a really sad life just like many others. Her husband was the “winningest coach” in all of Michigan and so much loved and acclaimed by all. He had a massive stroke and is unable to walk or take care of himself. She has done it by herself for twenty years plus teaching school for a good portion of those years. He has changed in temperament so that he is not the same person he used to be. Dealing with the personality change has been harder than dealing with the physical problems. She is upbeat most of the time and has a wonderful family, but I sense a reluctance to go home and into the caregiving again. Please pray for Shirley that she will learn to call on the Lord for help.

Most of the patients in this wing are knee or hip replacements. As such they are all older with worn out joints. There is another wing where the clients seemingly are just waiting to die. I feel so bad for one lady. Her name is Carolyn. She sits with a wrapped up doll in her lap, cuddling it and turning it over and over much like she would a baby. She is mobile and has learned to undo her tether. The tether is supposed to turn on a light whenever she breaks loose, but she has learned to turn it off. Then she takes off. Most of us have adjusted to her appearing somewhere out of the blue. Nevertheless, it was very disconcerting when I woke up in the semi-darkness to see this grey haired apparition leaning over my face. She was looking through my basket where I keep a pen, a remote, my Bible, books, glasses, etc. I almost screamed, but didn’t. Fortunately, I realized who it was and coaxed her to go back into the hall. So glad she went because I am rather helpless here when I get down in bed. I can’t get my legs out. I can’t bend or move one leg at all. Therefore, I am stuck like a fly in syrup. I could buzz away, but no more than that. I have a sort of gadget that helps me to move my leg. It is just strapping over thick wire that I can put over my foot and sort of haul my leg one way or another. Maybe I should ask for a better weapon than that. So far I have found it is a great back scratcher but not good for much else.

I am hoping to see many of you next week in Medina. Please pray that the trip will be gentle and not too uncomfortable. I have practiced getting in the car . It is quite a process so will get in and then endure until I reach my destination. I will be going to “The Avenue”. It is a new rehab place behind the Catholic church where Dr. Torok used to be. Very centrally located, it should be near enough for many of my friends to come visit me. So hope you all will. I have always liked Lodi for rehab, but I will be needing rehab for six to eight weeks possibly. That is a long time to be so far away. This place is brand new and so far has not too many clients. Sure hope I have made a good decision, but know nothing is written in stone. I will trust in the Lord to just lead me in the way I should go. I know from experience that when I make the wrong move, He can fix it. I try very hard to focus on Him. Some days it is so very hard. Please pray for me. I get lost often too.

Loving you as always, Irma Jane

August 1, 2013

It is Thursday, Aug 1st, and I am counting the days now until I can come home. I’ve tried not to be too anxious because that only makes the time drag out. My mornings are quite full. I don’t get to spend them with Jesus, not because the coffee is so bad, but because they get me up here at the crack of dawn and get me ready for rehab by 8. Jesus would never leave me because of bad coffee, even though it is not to be called by that name. I get breakfast and am hurried off to the PT room, then to the OT and finally to a speech therapist. She is trying to improve my gravelly voice and actually is doing a great job. Besides being a Christian, which makes her my favorite, she is as cute as a button. Also she has the most amazing fingers. She massages my jaw, my neck and my shoulder muscles. I think I have died and gone to heaven while that is happening. My neck is full of arthritis and is very stiff. She makes it all loosen up so I can smile wide and long. This all takes up the morning and wears me out totally. I have lunch and lie down for a long nap.

My afternoon is full of interruptions. That’s why I always had coffee with Jesus first. I am ashamed to say that here I have to fit Jesus in to whatever empty slots are there. I do talk to Him as often as I can though.

Jesus is in my mind all the time here. There are so many sad stories. Some of them I know, some I have to imagine. One man sits in the hall all day. He looks like he was very attractive and athletic at one time. He wears his Detroit Tigers baseball cap constantly. He is tall, has iron gray hair and very black eyebrows giving him a rather commanding appearance. His eyes are large and very brown, and – totally empty. It is so sad, those eyes. Is there someone in there? If not, where did he go? Did he know the Lord and if not, is it too late? Does our Lord address this anywhere in His word? I’d really like to know.

I am so proud of the aides who are very kind to all they take care of. They are special to our Lord, I know. He loves that kind of love. However, all of them are not so loving. They take good care but I heard one of them call a patient “Shaky”. Not to his face, of course, but it is disrespectful and it hurt to think of what they might be calling me behind my back. Our words hurt mightily. God want us to have self control especially when our tongues get wagging. Probably one of my worst areas.

I went down to occupational therapy just a few minutes ago. There was the man in his Tigers baseball cap. He has been sitting so long that he can no longer straighten out his legs. They make an effort to remedy that with weights, etc. and he does not protest nor does he react at all. They continue to work on him constantly telling him to close his mouth and to swallow. Finally! He closes his mouth and seemingly swallows the drool. They praise him greatly and guess what? There is a tiny little quirk at the corner of his mouth and even a hint of a dimple! What a victory! Such a small gain, but a gain nonetheless. God works on us in such very small increments too. And He is just as elated over our tiny gains.

How much I love getting your comments on facebook or on my web page. Also, I look with anticipation through the e-mails, hoping to hear from anyone. Thank you for thinking of me. I am so blessed to have all of you as a part of my family. Jesus’ presence is through your presence and so I thank Him for you. God bless and keep you safe until the next “Coffee with Jesus.”

July 31, 2013

As you are aware, I have plenty of time to meditate on plenty of things. Today I was thinking of my favorite spot in the cottage – my chair in the front window where I can see in three directions. I particularly remember the glorious path the sun made as it came up and shone on the water. It was almost too beautiful to look at as it sparkled and shone. Glittering in gold, sparkling in light, each little ripple on the water shining like two thousand jewels, it made a walkway fit for the highest king of all. Indeed, it was a path fit for Jesus to walk on as He came to have coffee with me.

I have been with Jesus every morning now for nearly two years. He has been my companion and friend through all the rough times. His presence has been desperately needed as an encourager and as the very foundation of just keeping me going. Without Him there, I would have faltered and given up. Without His comfort, promises and answers to prayer I would have given in to complaining and grumbling and making people miserable. I humbly acknowledge that it has been Jesus who held me like His child through all the tough times. It has been Jesus who came down to my level and sat with me. He consoled me with His word so my heart was lightened. Jesus has been close.

Today, I read in Colossians about His Glory. He has all power and glorious might. He has delivered us from darkness. He has taken our sins on His own shoulders. He has created ALL THINGS. He is before all things and He holds ALL THINGS together. Without Jesus even our earth would cease operating as it does. He is the beginning and the end on earth and in heaven. He loves me, He helps me, He walks and talks with me. He has come to have coffee with me.

Here I am again and now I have this gripping saga about life in a rehab facility. Believe me, you don’t want to miss any portion of this engrossing, enthralling story just brimming with excitement, glory and greatness!

I am desperately missing my time with the great grandchildren. I so wanted to see them play in the water and the sand. I have been sent pictures though. Coley is a great sand-eater. He was pushing a fine fistful into his mouth when one picture was taken. Ellie and Kenny were not one bit afraid of the water and ran out to jump off the dock. How I wish I could have seen it! Ellie cried when she had to go home. She says she wants to be a Canadian. That’s my Ellie!

I think these next series of “coffees” will have to be experiences in rehab or those coming out of bad situations and overcoming. Perhaps I can bring you stories of others and their struggles. Many people’s are much worse than mine. I have seen that.

Some of my readers live in this area. I can recommend this place because of the personnel. For the most part they are caring people. They are in this business because they want to help. Some aren’t in it for that, but I can guarantee they are not here for great income. It is not a fancy luxurious spa either. So don’t come for that . The therapy is fantastic. I see several therapists who are very aggressive. They get along well, have a cheerful and playful attitude, and push me to do as much as I can and to progress every day. If you just feel lousy and want to quit or wait another day, they push for continuation and for reaching the goal. “Just one more time” is a good saying. Therapy in general is fun with lots of joking and laughter. If you could only see me doing my thing. Try letting your imagination go wild here. I can’t wear my usual wardrobe because my right leg is encased in a royal blue cast about 12 inches in diameter. Therefore,, no pants will fit over it. I wear a flowing red, tie-dyed Mumu. I have to learn to stand on one foot. No weight is allowed on the other. So here I am, looking like a giant flamingo, red feathers of my Mumu skirts swirling madly around my walker. I cling to it with one hand as I bat desperately at the balloons coming my way. My cruel therapist throws them at me fifty per minute. Picture this scene topped by the crest of white hair spiked to a fare-thee-well because I haven’t had a shampoo for a week. Some sight, huh? Title of this scene, “Wounded Flamingo, pray for her!”

So many people here make me feel so sad. I hate it that some of us have to lose all our faculties and are still alive. I pray fervently that I will never have to be put out in the hall to sit vacantly and drool. God bless those that are. I think that may be at least part of why I am here. I just have to pray for those whom God loves just as much as He loves me. Nothing else seems to be required. I smile and there is no response nor is there a reaction to speech. God just wants me to pray. Teach me, Lord, how powerful prayer is and why I should never say, “All I can do is pray.”

Life has taken on new meaning here. My friends and family have been so faithful to come visit. “What is God teaching me through this?” I’m not sure yet but I wlll keep trying to find out and hoping you are finding my wanderings of some interest.

I love you all and enjoy sharing with you, Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

July 20, 2013

Whooeeee!!! This has been some week. It seems like much more than 7 days ago that I was experiencing a season of firsts. Wonder of wonders, I rode my Skidoo. It was such fun! I found out that that 8 # Ox. canister actually floats. When it goes into the water though, from six feet up, it nearly takes your ears with it; but then it floats — bottom up.

I got into the water for the first time. It has been so hot and felt really good. Also, I got down the ladder into my blue boat and drove it around the island. I got on the pontoon and drove that in and out of its mooring and around the area. I was doing so well, and congratulating myself on how wonderfully it was working to be on the island and take care of myself. I even drove into Detroit to pick Karen up at the airport.

Then disaster struck. The Lord said,”Don’t get too proud of yourself. You are nothing and you NEED me.” Boy! Do I ever!

After getting Karen, we came home and I went to ride my scooter to the cottage. Karen was putting all her luggage and the groceries on the golf cart. It was after 10 and dark. My scooter was parked on the grass near a hose and a water turn-on hole. In the dark, I didn’t see it. I tripped on the hose and stepped onto the holecover. It flipped and one leg went way down in. The rest of me went the other way. The leg broke at the top of the tibia and also at the top of the fibula. (I think I have that right) That was not good.

Somehow I got on the scooter and rode to the island. I even got partway home and turned around to go back after my purse which was left lying on the ground. After a miserable night of pain and no sleep, I had JD take me by pontoon to Marysville where the ambulance took me to the Port Huron hospital. Tina went with me. There I was treated for four days and then taken to this rehab institute where I guess I will stay for at least two weeks. Four more weeks or more will be needed to mend me as far as I will mend.

So that is my long story. Of course, it could always be worse. While I am really sad that I am stuck here flat on my back and unable to move one leg from the thigh down, I know the Lord has some purpose for my being here. I am missing my family as they will still come up here to have their vacations as planned. That is why I am staying here in lieu of coming to Medina for rehab. On the bright side, they will still come to visit me. Maybe, (I pray for this) there will be someone to whom I can be a light or even encouragement in a bad situation.

Jesus is here too, as I have my coffee each morning. He agrees with me, the coffee is awful. Someone took the trouble to run a bean through the hot water so we are grateful for that. Nevertheless, we would jump for joy (He might, I am not jumping too much these days) to see a Starbucks sign. I don’t have my usual uninterrupted time with Him. You know how it is in these places. Someone pops in every two minutes with a pill or some other thing that must be taken right now.

I am glad for technology because I have “Daily Bread” and my bible on my kindle. Any other resource needed is on this computer if I can find it. I must give great praise for that. I have a lot to talk to Jesus about. I certainly wish He had warned me about that deep hole. I’m no saint. I do as everyone else does. I ask Him: “Why, when I was doing so well, did this have to happen? Surely You were the one helping me do well. Why put a big stop to it now?”

I don’t understand so much but am determined to trust Him. I WILL do all as if doing it to the Lord. I WILL answer all with a smile, a happy heart, and an attitude of gratitiude. I WILL TRUST IN HIM!

As you can see, I am having somewhat of a bad time. I need prayer. I need a lot of prayer! Prayer is so powerful. I know I can depend on you to pray for me. I am so grateful for all of you and for your faithfulness. You are my earthly treasures. God bless you and thank you.

I will keep you in my prayers also and ask Jesus to be there with you too.

Dear friends,

I had a major setback the other night. I was walking off the dock to my cart and stepped into a hole and broke my leg. It was a very bad break. I broke two bones just below my knee and have spent the last two days in the hospital. The doctor said I will need at least six weeks of care and therapy. It’s easy to get discouraged, I was doing so well. Now I won’t be able to spend the rest of the summer at my beloved island, but I know Jesus is with me. He has a purpose and he will get me through! Please pray that I would glorify Him with my attitude, that my leg would heal quickly, and that I would be able to make all the arrangements necessary. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Love, Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

July 11, 2013

My coffee with Jesus time is always a meditation and then contemplation. I ask Him to be the auditor of my thoughts and to add to their content. With Jesus always in the process I feel confident to share my ruminations with you.

Today I just look out at His creation and am full of wonder. God is in the tiniest of things. My mind can’t go that small. The flowers are made up of the most intricate of parts. Colors are in teeny lines or a flowing of colors too beautiful to describe. The various grasses and leaves and their shades of green amaze me. The tons of water flowing past as I sit here can’t be imagined in gallons or any other amount. Yet I know even that can be broken down into molecules, atoms, and even smaller parts. God has created everything in the most intricate, minute way.

I look again and now am impressed with the immensity of it all. I can’t conceive of this universe going on forever. I can’t grasp the sun, which is so huge, of such importance to us, being only one star in the whole of creation. God is the most fantastic Creator!! I AM MADE IN HIS IMAGE!!
I, too, can create. I am limited, though, to using things to create which He has first made. I can’t make something out of nothing as He did. Nevertheless, as man, I can make things. I can build a house, bake a cake, paint a picture, build a wheeled vehicle, invent a telegraph, telephone, TV, cell phone, and many wonderful things; but only using the materials and natural laws He has provided.
I am made in His image in another way. Like Him, I am triune. I am body, mind and spirit as He is Jesus, Father God and Holy Spirit.

My poor old body is wearing away and is one day going to be gone. However, it is “me” until that happens. It is the physical “me” and I am attached to it. It limits me but I wouldn’t give it up for another. I am used to it as it is.

My mind is who I am, the seat of where I live. Without my mind, I would have no thoughts, no quirky opinions; I would have no personality. So my mind is “me”, too.

Then there is my spirit. This seems to be the seat of my emotions. This is where I love, fear, get angry, grow in faith, and desire. Here is where I never grow old. I am perenially sixteen. This is “me” too. The three are all “me” and all one.

I haven’t made some great discovery that many learned persons haven’t already thought or written about. That mind which is “me” is still wondering and wandering about a lot of crazy stuff, but I am glad I am made like Him. If this is so, then there is hope for me. He is perfect. He loves me. He says that one day I will also be good, as He is good. My mother used to sing this song. My mom sang all the time and it is such a happy memory that I will sing it too.

Be like Jesus, this my song, In the home and in the throng Be like Jesus all day long I would be like Jesus
Me, too. I would be like Jesus.

I love you all and like to hear from you and to hear your comments too.

A View from Last Summer

August 6, 2012

I am writing this with very little hope of sending it right away. All this time I have been here on my beloved island in Canada just glorying in the hot weather and sunshine, but without the internet. In a way it has been good. I have no e-mail, no snail mail (we don’t have mail delivery here either and I am not inclined to go to the mainland for anything unless I have to), and not very good phone reception. Therefore I have been doing a lot of sitting, reflecting and nothing. However, I have missed so much the contact and fellowship of my Christian friends. God’s plan, I am sure, is to let me sit and mend.

Most of June I was alone but with neighbors who are as close as family and with my youngest son and family who are but down the path and in and out often. My sister came for a week to help me do nothing and we just enjoyed that so much. Also Jim came for a week the first of July with his family and that was very special. My granddaughter Joanna came and surprised me with having grown up into a lovely young lady who was very solicitous of Gramma. Isn’t it wonderful? Best of all—- Jesus has been here every day for coffee and whatever else was going on!!!

My precious morning time has been even more special to realize that Jesus is not a person to sit in a chair and be with me; but to live with me in my very being, all the time. i am so thankful for His Word and for His creation. I can be alone and let both of those just fill me with praise and wonder.
I started reading the whole Bible over again from the beginning since I’ve been here alone and God’s wisdom is overwhelming. We all need so much to have uninterrupted time to think of Him, to ponder His Word, and to reorganize ourselves in relation to His directives. I can see how He saw the need to designate a time of rest every week.

We don’t really do what He says. I don’t anyway. Sunday is a day to go to church and fellowship, but really rest? Contemplate my Lord? I don’t do that on Sunday. I just excuse myself by saying, “Everyday is a day of rest for me. I am retired and so do very little real work.” I think we do need to rest from labor, if we actually do labor, but also I think God knew we needed a time to rest from the world, to contemplate Him and all He has in mind for us – our future’s importance in the whole scheme of things. We are too much able to be busy, but not with those things which will really matter in God’s world. Where do I fit in here? Do I just try to be an example where I am? Now I am in Leviticus and although I know all of Scripture is true and worthy of learning, just what am I learning?

As you can see, I am still confused about a lot of things and may be until I get to see Jesus face-to-face. My days are spent without much organization and I wonder if Jesus is telling me something I am not hearing. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). So, I am waiting on Him. Not even sure that is the right thing. Does anyone else have these problems? In any case, I end this missive with TRUST.

I’ve missed you all so much. I do get some e-mail on my phone if I sit outside on the end of the dock. It is so good to hear your comments and SO encouraging.

Love from Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

Thoughts from last November!

November 18, 2012

How I’ve missed you all. I’ve loved your comments about “My Coffee with Jesus” and therefore am encouraged to get back to e-mailing my thoughts while with Him every a.m.

I’ve struggled with health problems all summer and fall and have been without the internet as well. I am on oxygen all the time now but feel pretty good when I do nothing but sit. This is a minor nuisance; but as long as I have my faculties (some people may question that) there is so much I can do sitting. Nevertheless, growing old is definitely a challenge. However, even though I’ve been without the internet, good health and a good breath; I’ve never been without Jesus.

Now, I am thankful to say, I have a new computer. It is a tiny laptop that I can sit with comfortably. I love it when I am not mad at it. New things on the computer are a senior’s “burr under the saddle.” I can now send my daily thoughts to you and I am very grateful for that. Hopefully Monday will find me back with the internet, you, and Jesus.

Love in His precious name,

Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

This is it from last winter! Hope you have enjoyed these.

February 16, 2013

Hi to All of You on this sunny Sat. a.m.,

I have a different view this morning as I sit with Jesus and look out the front window. Instead of my back yard, I look toward the east. He has given me a wonderful view of the lake today. The sun is streaking through the trees leaving stripes of glitter and gold on the ice. What a glorious design and a different one everyday, if you look for it. Wouldn’t it make a glitzy dress if I could convert it to fabric?

I was hoping for your answer to my lesson about the bullying dumb crows and the yellow-bellied smart squirrels and I did get a few. One person saw the crows as the troubles that come into every life. They are to be handled with prayer and praise for what you do have. Great answer.
Another person saw them exactly as I did. Looking at them strutting about in their own selfish ways, I was reminded of a story about my dear Pastor who has since left us to be with Jesus. He was such a godly man; kind of short and round, not a commanding figure at all until he spoke. But when God’s word came pouring out, you sat up and LISTENED. He was mild mannered too, until he got behind the wheel of a car, his foot got very heavy and he more often than not said some unflattering things about the other drivers who he felt were interfering with his procedures. His quiet unassuming little wife would say, “Now, Harold, the Lord loves them, too.”

That’s what I learned about the crows. God made them and they must have a purpose, even though they appear ugly and useless to me. Like some people, they appear totally detrimental to the community – bossy and mean, always taking, never giving, blocking my plans and spoiling things for others. But God loves them too. So I learned not to judge folks but to be tolerant because they, too, are God’s children. Let’s hope I can act on a lesson learned.

One word in my reading this morning really stood out. That word was “complacent.” Jesus said we weren’t hot or cold, but lukewarm, and He didn’t want us that way. He would spit us out! Well! I certainly don’t want to have that! I do pray to be passionate about my Lord. Sometimes I don’t know how, but in the business of each day, I will try to put Him first in my thoughts and actions. This is HARD, but I will not be COMPLACENT!! I will not relegate Jesus to an occasional thought nor will I think I am OK because I go to church on Sunday. My resolution for 2013.

I love you all. Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

Here are some thoughts from last February.

Feb 7, 2013

The sun is shining on the snow
making everything in nature glow
I just can’t help being a poet!!!

The squirrels are all out; the alpha male/female is perched on the peanut feeder eating peanut after peanut and chasing all the other hungry rodents away. They are persistent but the big bully reigns. Occasionally he vacates his seat and runs up the tree with a peanut in his mouth and in they move! They all know how to get the feeder open now. The peanuts fly!

Suddenly a big disturbance occurs! Three big, black, shiny crows alight and stroll menacingly over to the peanut feeder. Squirrels scoot in all directions.
THE CROWS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE WORLD!!

Big and strong as they appear, they can’t figure out the peanut distribution. They stalk up and down importantly, picking up peanut shells but no reward. They are very frightening. I thought the squirrels were big. Certainly mine are big around ( fat, greedy little buggers) but one crow is three times the size of one squirrel.

These monsters are blue-black, looming, over-bearing, ugly and very dumb. They pick up the peanut shells, examine them, throw them away as inedible and go pick up another one.

The squirrels get the peanuts, but they run. Crows chase, but lose out on peanuts.

There has got to be a lesson here, so what is it? I await your answer.

Every day is a great day and starting it with Jesus is the very best way. In His presence all my tears and fears are gone. I have comfort, strength, refuge, shelter, hope, and if I ask, I get a little bit of wisdom too. What a way to start the day!

The latest squirrelyism from “The Book of Squirellyisms’ by I. J. Fritz-Zager:

Baby squirrels are born pure white. From the highly scientific research done by Ms. Z., who was eye-witness to an all-white dead baby squirrel deposited on her doorstep by Sam Houston, cat magnifique, of Lubbock, Texas, more recently from Medina, Ohio and Stag Island, Canada.

Ms. Z., who is spectacularly squirrelly herself, is highly qualified for her research by dint of her extended studies in the back-yard antics of fluffy tailed rodents.

Best wishes to all of you. If you think winter has gotten to me, you are probably right. God loves me anyway and You too.

Love to all, from Irma Jane

Here’s another oldie, but goodie!

January 31, 2013

Good Morning! I can’t believe that it is almost February. Only two more months of winter!! That’s a good thing, right? I don’t mind winter at all. I am warm and comfy. So far I haven’t had to go out on nasty cold days, only when the sun is shining and the roads are clear. That’s the luxury of retirement.

I am reading through the Bible again and am now reading “Lamentations.” It’s a bit heavy. I ask Jesus what He is trying to tell me this day and sometimes I totally miss His answer. Mostly I come up with “OBEY”.

I don’t understand the Israelites who were starving, thirsty, forced into servitude, and with no hope, crying in their beards — on and on. What was their problem? They had such examples of God’s goodness to them. There it was all written down for them in their Pentateuch. God said, “If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and repent, I would save them.”
Well, maybe it was too late, but they didn’t even try. They just kept on lamenting.

All of us have had a certain amount of awfulness in our lives. However, no one can change things by weeping, wailing and lamenting. Belly aching won’t help a bit and only turns others off around you. The Israelites had a lot to weep about, but still they had a really bad attitude. We can change a lot of things. I can change my mind, change a tire, change the channel, change a diaper, change the subject, change my clothes, change my cash into bills, and even change my attitude. So I won’t lament, I will think on all things good.

I have this great power chair and I can scoot all over. I have this aggravating oxygen hose that trips me up, tangles my feet, pulls off my ears and causes my nose to run, but it keeps me breathing so, how great is that?!! I have so many wonderful people to love me and that I can love back. I have this lovely house with a sunny room to sit in. After all, sitting isn’t so bad now that I am chronologically challenged and actually not inclined to want to get up and do all those exhausting things. I am loving watching others cooking and bringing me good stuff to eat. AND– I will finish Lamentations, skip over old Zeke since he’s so full of dire consequences, and go to Daniel. There’s a person who knew how to live! What a great guy he was. Much better than I would have been. I definitely would have chosen the king’s food instead of all those veggies. Imagine! Hummingbird tongues and probably Big Macs, too.

I’ll have to admit that the Israelites had a lot more to lament about than I do, but my point is: “kwitchurbeliakin” and be thankful for what you do have. God is so good to me. How can I thank Him enough?

Forgive me if I sound preachy or Pollyannaish. I ramble on, but I do want to send you all a greeting. What you read is the best I can do today. I just want you all to hear from me and know that I love you and pray for you too.

Love from Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

Here’s another old one I wrote at the turn of this year.

January 9, 2013

Happy New year Everyone! 2013! Numbers I never hoped to see, especially back in the fifties or sixties. Now I have to remember they go on my checks, dates, or correspondence.

What a wild week that last one of 2012 was! I had my whole family here with the hurtful exception of Boyce who is in Afghanistan for a 2nd time. We were 22 people and six dogs. Christmas Eve was just a lovely night. Even all those dogs behaved. You can see us all on facebook, wearing our Stag Island Tee shirts.

All the patience Jesus taught me in those tough months of 2012 was used up in that last week.

Actually, it wasn’t bad at all. The six dogs behaved quite well, the teens and twenty-somethings behaved even better, and the adults talked and talked and cooked and cooked and then went off to bed early.

They were all a fantastic joy to me I just reveled in all of it and didn’t have to lift a finger. I felt so blessed. Is there anything better than family?

Other things are better too. I am doing better in the chair. The new one is a little smaller and I am missing the walls, doorways and furniture more often. Wearing an oxygen hose all the time is a trial. Before the chair, I would get it wound around my ankles, feet, or rug. Now it gets caught in the wheels, I park on it and can’t move, or get it under one wheel while I’m moving forward and it nearly pulls my ears off. It hurts my ears, dries up my nasal passages, and gets tangled in the sheets while I sleep. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have it. Breathing is so important to me. Prayer is just as important too. I can’t get along without either one. I am encouraged when I communicate with Jesus and my Father. They give me the strength to persevere and try to learn new things, like driving a wheel chair around and through furniture and doorways. God is so good. He listens. I must practice listening more too.

We had a beautiful white Christmas. The trees and lawns are still glistening in the sun. The squirrels have learned to ride the new bungee jump corn holder, and how to get the peanuts out of the pop up feeder. They are so funny and soooo greedy! My squirrels are the fattest in all of Ohio.
God’s creation is so fantastic. I never cease wondering at the marvel of His creation: flipping, athletic squirrels who jump three times their height, birds of every size and color, and a season to rest and cover with sparkling white while it renews itself. Incredible. That may be why I am still here: just to praise Him for the beauty of it all.

There is so much wrong with the world. We need to get God back into our homes, our schools and (YES) even into our government. My prayer is for my country–to get Jesus to be with us. All we need do is to ask, but we do need to ask (Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:9). Jesus will never turn His back on us. Be persistent and be bold like that squirrel out there. He jumps and jumps and finally gets one kernel of corn before he falls, then up he goes again. I will be persistent too.

God bless you all and have a great 2013!! Irma Jane

July 3, 2013

Hello this glorious morning!

I have to write and tell you all about yesterday’s My Coffee with Jesus. I think I tried to do it without Jesus. My BAD! I spent three hours trying to copy and paste on this windows 8. (I really hate windows 8). In three hours I managed to garble up my writing, realign all of it poorly, and then to lose it to a different format. I even turned to the last resort and read a tutorial. No good. No help. No My Coffee with Jesus. I put the computer away with disgust.

Then last night I was talking to Jim. He needed prayer and so immediately after hanging up I prayed for his and Kathy’s needs. I got out the computer once again and thought, “I’ll pray for this to work too.” I asked Jesus for His help, went to WORD, there was my e-mail. I tweaked it once and it all went back to the right alignment, the right wording: back to the way I had it first before I started the whole fiasco. I highlighted, copied, went to e-mail and pasted without a hitch. Can you believe it? Can I take credit for doing it right? No!! I am absolutely sure the Holy Spirit was teaching me another lesson. “If you have My Coffee with Jesus, be sure you ask Him to be there!

I need to remember hourly the power of prayer. I sit here day after day, sometimes thinkng I am not much good for anyone anymore, in fact, I am a burden. Someone has to get my groceries, clean my house, check to see if I’m still perking around, and often wait on me. Today, however, I know I am needed to pray. Who will pray for my grandchildren if I don’t? They need prayer so badly these days. They are so busy with their lives, they don’t take time to pray or maybe even think about Jesus. I hope this isn’t so, but have deep suspicions that it is. My children need my prayers, my church family needs my prayers, My unsaved friends and acquaintances need my prayers, My country needs my prayers, as does my government. I haven’t enough hours in the day to fill the need. I AM NEEDED TO PRAY! And so I will. I love you and pray for you right now.

God bless. Irma Jane
PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING

June 6, 2013

Good morning everyone!

I am so excited this morning. I have a web page!!! Imagine me, out in cyber space somewhere, floating around until someone like you decides to bring me into your home and your life via computer. There I am, looking right out at you!

My beautiful son, Jim, has done all this and put all the “My Coffee with Jesus” on it too.

I started these missives over a year ago when I was first beginning the chemo treatments. My purpose was to bring my thoughts and fears into a peace by appealing to Jesus. I would ask Him to be close – actually sit by me while I sorted out my feelings. I can’t express how fantastically He has worked the struggles out in my life.

I say ‘all’ the “coffees” but Jim has to wait on me to collect them and send them to him. I have them all somewhere on this computer. The computer and I will wrestle and contend for a long time. We will see who wins this wrestling match. Jesus is right here with me this morning. I will definitely be asking for His help.

I am hoping you will go to www.mycoffeewithjesus.com, see my smiling face just greeting all of you with my love.

God’s blessings to all, Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

June 2012

Again I sit with my first cup of coffee this AM. I am home after two weeks on the island. No internet but lots of peace and beauty. I am asking Jesus to be with me, to lend His presence to my special time of day. To believe in His actual being with me encourages me in my Bible reading and prayers. I thank Him for all things, especially the wonderful promises I find in Scripture. I thank Him, too, for all His goodness to me and He HAS been good.

I have finished five months of chemo, starting last January. It was five months of feeling pretty good, then feeling as if I couldn’t move, and then feeling fair for a few days, and then back to the beginning again. Now it is over! I have had a PET scan, and have been told the cancer is in complete remission. All praise to Jesus Who sat with me through all of this. I am so grateful. Actually, I can thank Him in all things, even the bad, because I learn so much and get so much experience to know how others feel. Literally, through my effort to get close to my Lord, He has come closer to me. I read His Word and the wisdom of it means more each time. I am understanding more. It is true—we have to ask—but He is always willing to answer.

I am grateful for getting a little stronger each day. I took a two week vacation at the end of May to go sit by the water on my beloved island. I thought I could sit there as well as here in Medina. It was wonderful. Jesus is there too, maybe even more so. Getting my strength back is a real challenge. It is hard to see how quickly my old body has gone downhill without activity. But YEAH! I am growing hair again!!

My one dream was to be able to ride my bike again. I can walk only a short way without being breathless, but I was determined to ride my bike. The last day there on the island, JD brought out my bike. There was a complete role reversal. Forty-four years ago I ran alongside a little JD while he teetered along on a bike without training wheels and on this day he ran alongside me as I wobbled down the sidewalk.

BUT I DID IT! I rode my bike!

Thank you all again for putting up with my ramblings. I have been so encouraged by the many positive responses. My efforts to be closer to Jesus have been positive too. He becomes more real to me each day, my thoughts turn to Him more often, and I believe I am trusting in Him, not myself so much. I will continue to ask Him to be present during the best part of my day and also for the rest of the time too.

God bless all of you and know that I love and pray for you. Hopefully, I can get back to you from time to time and that you, too, will all take time to have Coffee with Jesus.

Love always from Irma Jane Fritz-Zager

May 2012

I’ve invited Jesus to be with me, to enjoy this time with me as I sip my coffee and listen while I read His Word. I imagine Him here, sitting across from me as I enjoy Starbuck’s bold and flavorful breakfast blend. Some days I feel like this is what He would have me do. Talk to Him, listen, and share my thoughts and hopes. Other days, like today, I feel rather far away and foolish. I feel foolish because here I am, just me, and I am asking the Creator of the Universe, the all powerful God, the One who maintains the world and keeps it going; to sit down and visit with me. His Word says He wants to do just that. He wants to be close and fellowship with me. “Pray constantly,” He says.

Well, I can’t be on my knees all day. Actually, I can’t be on my knees at all. I’d never be able to get up. Praying constantly, hands clasped, on our knees in a position of prayerful worship all day is not practical. God knows this. He doesn’t want us to be under duress to do certain things. He doesn’t want rules. He wants our hearts constantly bent toward Him. He wants us to remember that the Holy Spirit is in us and to consult Him before we act. Listen to that still small voice. I think that is what He means by praying constantly. To be focused on Him and His way all day long. To be patient, think before we move and speak, and remember to ask for His influence on all decisions. This is hard to do, but today I will start practicing. One day I may get it right.

Maybe Jesus IS in that chair today, talking to me. You are always in my prayers.

God Bless you every day. Irma Jane Fritz-Zager