Today is dedicated to my 6th Grade Sunday School Teacher. She was the "spunkiest" woman I know. She embodied life more than anyone I ever met. She taught school and had hundreds of students. Widowed in her 50's, she gave her life to serving children. God didn't see to bless her with children from her own womb...but it didn't matter, since she was a teacher to so many of us...hundred's of students in school and church. Even in her sixties, she dedicated her time to children like me on Sunday morning or chaperoned us at youth events. We always welcomed her to our youth events, even if she was the age of our grandparents. The Lord decided to take her home this week. They found her in her rocking chair.
I just know she was telling God a joke and He decided she could tell it in person. Since she always made an entrance, I am sure she came around the corner looking at Him and waving her finger with, "now couldn't you have given me a bigger exit? A chariot of fire would have been great!" What a joy! She always had the best one-liners.
Nancy Straley - the young woman on the left
I had the wonderful blessing of seeing my 6th grade Sunday School teacher while attending a family's 50th Wedding Anniversary. She was just as "spunky" as ever and bragging on her age of 90. I was so excited all my children had the chance to meet her, but most of all I was so excited to show them to her. I said, "can you believe they are all mine?" She laughed and started telling tales on me. She was there in my youth and there when I said "I do". She painted us a picture as a wedding gift. She had seen me grow up both physically and spiritually. She had remained a dear family friend, making her way to my sister-in-law's Anniversary party... even if she needed a cane to assist her.
Many churches have done away with the "old type" of Sunday School....I am glad I had the wonderful spiritual instructions from a "traditional" Bible-teaching Sunday School. So, today I say... Thanks for giving to the Lord...I am life that was changed.
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matt 25;21
Welcome Home Nancy....enter into your master's happiness.
Oh I hope that everyone has a Mrs. Straley in their lives. I did. Thank you for sharing yours. She sounds like a remarkable woman.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got to see her recently! I'm with Vee. Everyone needs someone like that in their lives.
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ReplyDeleteI am with you, a chariot would have been nicer. That is so nice. I had a wonderful Sunday school teacher that I loved, she taught me so much. Then like you say, our Sunday school director got a young hip thing to teach our class. I quit going. I liked the depth of the older woman and her ability to make God's Word come alive.
ReplyDeleteI am glad she was involved in your life.
She did her job well.
A beautiful tribute to a servant of the Most High, also thank you for sharing a beautiful song that I haven't heard in a while,it always reminds me of the ones who have touched my life too. How blessed we are to of had such dedicated people who gave so much for the up building of God's Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed and give Benjamin a hug for me, and please tell him that I think of him so often, btw our new calf is a girl if he is interested in giving her a name, we would be so happy!
I have been away trying to catch up, and spending some quiet time!
love, Sue
I'm crying.
ReplyDeleteThe last line from that song did me in because EVERY time I sing it, I think of my favorite Sunday School teacher growing up. Her name was Bessie, and she taught me over and over because we had a tiny church and she always went where needed. There were more kids around my age than any other, so we needed her often.
So much of what I am today is because of the teaching of that quiet woman.
You blessed me with the memory, and I rejoice over your Miss Nancy's homegoing with you.
Imagine the celebration in Heaven! That's what I'm looking forward to, right after I finally see His face.
And other thing: What a blessed way to die. She just rocked her soul into the bosom of Abraham. (Old song from my childhood.)
Sometimes I miss the old fashioned sunday school class. But I do think it is ok to just modify what works these days. Times have changed.
ReplyDeleteIT goes to prove that teachers are important and even though they aren't sure if they make a difference perhaps they do.
Oh what a blessing to have known such a wonderful woman. Think of the influence she has had on soo many for Him. I love it. I did not grow up going to Sunday school, so I did not have a Mrs. Staley in my life. Though I did have a godly woman who I looked up to and modeled as best as I could. I honestly think she couldn't have gone in a better way. Rocking herself right into the Kingdom. I love it. What a celebration there no doubt was. I am rejoicing with you at the job well done by this good and faithful servant!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week-end!
What a sweet tribute! So glad to know that you were blessed to know her. I like old fashion Sunday school. Churches can get as modern as they want, if they don't teach Christ and the good old fashion Gospel, then they're not teaching anything good at all!
ReplyDeleteThat was a precious tribute to your wonderful teacher. You can just look at that picture and see that she was such a woman of God. Oh, think now about how she is rejoicing in His very presence!And one day you will be able to see her again and share wonderful times, only this time it will be forever.
ReplyDeleteHugs~
What a precious post Jeanette. Isn't it wonderful when we are so blessed in our lives by such people as mrs Stanley in their lives. And I pray that at the end of my days that I will leave behind such a legacy. Hugs to you as you remember this sweet soul.
ReplyDeleteIt is always wonderful to remember those that had such influence on our lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Janette!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your Sunday school teacher!
She's dancing in heaven now!
I had a lovely teacher in fifth grade. She was so exuberant and fun. She shared about her deep love for Jesus in a church where people were extremely unemotional. I found her delightful and contagious. I'll never forget her!
the people who make a difference in our lives.....they're the best...the ones that really change us. I loved reading about this amazing woman. She'll live on for sure in you and others who she touched. Great legacy to leave.
ReplyDeleteMiss Nancy sounds like she was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend to you, Janette. I know she was so proud of the woman you are. She passed the legacy on to one who continues to pass it on...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the prayers!!! So much. My arms may get tired over the next couple of weeks. From the bottom of my heart... thank you. t.
Janette, a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life. Reminds me of the old Indian saying: Live your life in such a manner that when you are born you cry and the world rejoices, when you die, you rejoice and the world cries. I am sure she will be greatly missed, and yet she is rejoicing,
ReplyDeleteAwww, what a wonderful Christian woman! If she'd had her own kids she might not have been able to bless so many other kiddos! I'm sure she's touched lots of lives. So glad she touched yours!
ReplyDeleteJanette, this was beautiful. What a precious saint of God - can you imagine the smile on His face when she arrived home?!
ReplyDeleteI had a favorite Sunday School teacher in 1st grade. Her name was Mrs. Tomlinson. I know that her faith, and her kind heart, were instrumental in shaping my young heart's love for Jesus.
We need more people like this.
Happy Homecoming, Nancy!
GOD BLESS!
And there is a big party happening in heaven at the celebration of her homecoming! I'm so glad for those traditional Sunday school classes too! Changed lives by God's design and by His choosing of great teachers like Nancy! What a beautiful tribute! Our loss; Heaven's gain!
ReplyDeleteWow. I am sure that she is rejoicing! in heaven. Glorious post.
ReplyDeleteOh my ... the bitter sweetness of letting go of so beloved a mentor cannot be easy. What a fabulous example of servanthood she has been. I hope & pray someone will be saying these same things about me one day. Talk about a rich legacy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kathleen
Janette, what a wonderful tribute to your dear friend - and precious Sunday School teachers in general. You've brought back some special memories for me, too. What a joy it is to read of her faithfulness!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love that song! I'm with Debbie ... can't hear it without crying.
Oh Janette, this post brought tears to my eyes. If only I can be like Nancy! The Lord may not have blessed her with her own children but He blessed her with many to love and nurture over the years.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she was welcomed with open arms by her Savior. And that would be the best welcome ever!
Love,
Debbie
This was beautiful. Made me cry-there are so many people in my walk since I became a Christian that have touched my life that way. Such a blessings. So glad your kids all got to meet her.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day.
Hugs