LaJuana Murphy-Brann: Today's NEWS Flash!

“Because we know that in all things God is at work for our good, we are confident that storms are not forever … the sky will clear again.” Daniel E. Johnson

 During the past months since “The Mom’s” going Home, I have gone through the gamut of emotions that come with personal grief. At a time when I needed words of comfort and hope, I found them in the pages of an extraordinary little book titled, “When You Ask Why.”

 First printed in 2002 and now in its eighth edition, the author/pastor uses his extensive knowledge of Biblical scripture and personal experience to speak to the troubled and questioning heart.

 He spoke to mine.

 If you are going through a time of doubt and questioning in your own walk with God — if you wonder why He has allowed your suffering — you will find a gentle reminder of His ultimate caring, love and purpose for you through the words penned in this book.  I cannot recommend it more highly!  

"When You Ask Why" can be ordered from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBooks.com or from New Leaf Press. Call 1-800-643-9535 and ask for a sales rep.

            HOME FOR EASTER! 

Your mom went home for Easter.
Someone took her by the hand
and said “Ma'am, you are invited 
to have supper with the Lamb.

“Your name’s written in this volume,”
he said pointing to a book.
“It’s the Lamb’s list of the faithful.
Step in closer. Take a look!

“Jesus died to pay your ransom
and then rose in victory
so that you could be at home here.
Don’t you love this crystal sea?”

Then a hand reached out with nail prints
beckoning your mom to come
as the Savior said, “My precious,
since your time on earth is done

won’t you sit here right beside me?
For this moment I have longed.
This is why I died to save you
and forgive you of your wrong.

“When I rose from death that Sunday,
I imagined you with me
feasting with the saints and angels
and for all eternity.”

And just then a trumpet sounded
and the Lamb approached the throne
while your mother and the others
worshiped Christ and Him alone.

That’s what Easter’s like in Heaven.
He who died now reigns in love
in a place of utmost grandeur
that your mother long dreamed of.

by Greg A.

  

I am amazed at how some people let nothing stand in the way of something they love to do … like fishing, no matter what the weather!  We have had 24 hours of thunder, lightening, snow, ice and freezing drizzle. But … right in the middle of it all … these folks are "doin' their thing."

Taken from my window above Lake Taneycomo, Branson, MO.

In Loving Memory of "The Mom" … 

In the afternoon hours of Tuesday, October 16^th, Heaven opened its gates to another of God’s choicest … our beloved mom and grandmother, Ila Cantelon Murphy.  I’m sure she was met by Dad Bill, and is being escorted by angels on a tour of that celestial home as we speak.

 Our hearts are broken as we deal with our loss; but we can rejoice in the knowledge that Mom is where she has wanted to be for some time. She lived an incredible life, most all of her 89 years in service to the Lord she loved.

 Mom’s “Celebration of Life,” held on Friday, Oct. 19, was just what she would have wanted … a “Sunday evening” kind of service, complete with church orchestra, congregational singing and the family joining in song. Even Mom herself participated, via a video that was recorded of her singing, “The Old Account Was Settled,” at a Maranatha Village concert just 10 weeks before her passing.  (The link to that video is given below.)

 Our strength is in the hope that we will be with Mom and Dad again … and, in the words of the song with which we closed her service, we expect that will be “Soon And Very Soon!”

 Thanks for the many words and expressions of love and sympathy that so many have sent our way. Two of the original “Murphy Family” are now left to walk this road … May we do so in a way worthy of the parents that taught us well.

Obituary for Ila Murphy

 Ila Cantelon Murphy made her entrance into this world at Rainy River, Ontario, Canada on February 11, 1923. Her parents were Todd and Rena Cantelon. Ila passed from this life on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Springfield, MO.  She had resided at Maranatha Village, the Assemblies of God retirement community in Springfield, since April of 2007. Until that time, Ila had made her home in Pocatello, Idaho.

 Ila is survived by one brother, Garth (Lucille) Cantelon; a son, Robert (Delena) Murphy; a daughter, LaJuana Brann; 3 grandsons, Tyler, Taylor, Brandon, and 1 granddaughter, Jeri; 1 niece, Gayle and 1 nephew, Gordon.  Her husband, Rev. Bill Murphy, preceded her in death 9 years ago.

 Music and ministry were Ila’s passion. Born into a clan of ministers, she got an early start in that direction for her life.  Ila learned to play the piano at age 4, and good enough to begin using her talents in church at such an early age. Both her parents and brother Garth were talented musicians who used those gifts in radio ministry in the early years of dad Cantelon’s pastoral assignments.

 In 1946, Ila met the love of her life, Bill Murphy.  Ila was traveling in evangelistic ministry with her family. Bill was working in evangelism as a team partner with Paul Cantelon. Both attended a Bible camp in Manitoba that summer of ’46;  the sparks flew, and love blossomed. They were married January 1^st of 1947, in Tampa, Fla. 

 The years that followed saw two children join the team, and the Murphy Family became road warriors for the Lord. Intertwined within those years of evangelism, Bill and Ila pastored 6 Assemblies of God churches, including what is now “River of Life Church” in Pocatello from 1981 to 1989. Many lives were impacted by their seasons of ministry, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support at their departures from this life.

 A celebration of Ila’s life was held Friday, Oct. 19, at Maranatha Village Chapel, under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home. Rev. David Flower, along with Maranatha Chaplains Darrel Paddock and Steve Anoa’I, participated in the service. The Maranatha orchestra provided music along with members of the Murphy family. Ila herself participated, via a video that was recorded just 10 weeks before at a Maranatha concert. It can be viewed at this Internet address: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgkleYO4D0

 This amazing wife, mom and grandmother will be greatly missed! Our loss is only Heaven’s gain.

____________________________________________________________________ 

Mom Ila … at 89-years-old … is still doing her thing! This video was recorded on the evening of July 29th at Maranatha Village Chapel in Springfield, Missouri.

I have become "up close & personal" with the wildlife of the Ozarks! This little fellow … a white dove … dines on Mom's deck daily. Today he allowed me a closer encounter. He and his mate have an about-to-hatch egg that they tend to on the deck next door :)

" … One Nation, Under God "

25 years ago this Monday the 12th of March, this little guy changed my world forever. Happy Birthday, Tyler Brann!

1:25 a.m. … Wednesday, the 29th day of February … we were awakened by that eerie sound of sirens declaring an approaching tornado. I have been in Branson since this past October and have heard the drill in midday a time or two. This time, it was not in the afternoon ... nor a drill. Welcome to the Ozarks in the spring!

The major damage took place about a mile from the home I am staying in. Not until the break of day did we realize the extent of the catastrophe that had transpired. The following is an aerial view of "The Strip" on highway 76 through the center of Branson.  The link provided will take you to a series of photos, courtesy of many news outlets in our area.  

Additional photos: http://fox2now.com/2012/03/01/pictures-branson-tornado-damage-2/

Video feed: http://fox2now.com/2012/02/29/branson-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado/

I have also posted additional updates on my Facebook profile page: https://www.facebook.com/lmbrann1

Nine years ago this day of February 4th, Dad Bill Murphy packed away his Gibson guitar, bid farewell to all of us and returned to his Heavenly home … leaving his Stetson behind. He wears a crown, now. 

Man, do we ever miss "The Leader of the Band!"

Yep. Finally a grandparent!  Of a dog, that is. Tyler and Sarah have recently had an addition ... rescued the little guy from an animal shelter. By all reports, "Moe" is spoiled rotten! I hope to someday soon have the chance to further the cause.

It has been awhile since I posted an update. So much to do … so little time.

The summer heat has been/is incredible! Temperature records are being broken consistently in our vicinity. 100 degrees-plus daily … made most unbearable by the added humidity.  No rain. Texas and West Oklahoma are in extreme drought.

 In the midst of these climate conditions comes the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Interstate I-44, that I frequently take from Tulsa to Springfield, passes through the southern section of Joplin. A couple of weeks ago I took the opportunity to detour into the part of that city that was hit the hardest.  I can honestly say, I will never be the same.

I was warned by some who had been there that I would not be prepared for what I would see. How right they were! It was 5 weeks and 5 days after the EF5 storm struck … and the landscape still resembled a nuked war zone. I wept. The photo below was one of many that I took that day. This was one of only a few homes that still resembled what it used to be. 

Please pray for Joplin. I am in contact with friends who are lending physical help in restoring some order among the devastation. It will take months. Probably years.

About the Joplin tornado and May 22, May 24 tornadoes in Oklahoma

www.kjrh.com

‎, KJRH-TV, NBC Affiliate in Tulsa, OK

 For those of you who have been following our Oklahoma and Missouri storms over the past few days, this link pretty well tells it all!  Our families are safe, but our prayers go out to those who have suffered the effects of this week of tragedy. 

Spring has sprung in all its fury, here in Tulsa country. And along with it, 'finals week' is just days away at ORU. I'm not sure I like the sound of that … finals week ??  I hope that is not prophetic … (Smile.)

Strange, … how excited a 63 year-old can get by hearing the words, "Spring break!" 

So, as have done many other worn and weary students, I have gone home to Mama.  And, as have done many other worn and weary students, I will sleep a lot!  And eat, … more than I should. A great combination … NOT!

And then, I will be anxious to get back to ORU. Just as many other rested and fattened students will be:)

Spring has sprung here in the mid-south part of our land ... and the excitement begins!  What a strange weather year this has been.  Less than a month ago, we were buried in 14 inches of snow. Then, 2 weeks later, 78 degrees before falling to below freezing again. The saying here in Oklahoma is, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!"  How true that has turned out to be :)  

Hope to see ya later!     

The now historic Blizzard of 2011 has come to an end ... and Tulsa is virtually paralyzed! The 14-inch one-day total is an all-time record snowfall for the city. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded on city streets and Oklahoma highways. And ORU is closed! That in itself is an historic event. 

I am safely tucked into my apartment, studying and sending homework via e-mail to my professors who are equally stranded at home. I couldn't go anywhere if I tried to, ... the snow is too deep and not a plow has come our way.  Welcome to winter in Oklahoma. 76 degrees last Saturday, minus 9 tomorrow night!

Photos courtesy of Channel 6 in Tulsa:

Latest Update:  http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/latest-update:-the-blizzard-of-2011

This was posted by a Facebook friend, and with his permission I give it to you.

Letter from Jesus -- about Christmas….

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. 
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. 

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. 

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it: 

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know 
that someone cares about them. 
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them. 

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. 

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference. 

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary - - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you. 

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. 

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

In the absence of Exciting News,  please accept this delightful rendition of "Deck the Halls."  We shall return shortly :-)   ( First, might want to turn off the streaming music track at the top of this page ... )

My goodness. Where has this year gone?!  I have less than 4 weeks left in this semester at ORU.  So far, have enjoyed the ride immensely.  Ask me again, after finals week in December :-) 

A new Christmas instrumental single coming! Yes ... I am currently laying down the tracks to Silver Bells, a "soul/jazz" version I think you will like.  I wanted to put that on my last cd, but didn't get it done. Hopefully, we will have this one Internet-ready by Thanksgiving.  I have been taking a class at ORU that involves studio recording and editing. The teacher, Kitt Bender ... a greatly talented musician as well as ORU instructor,  is working with me on this one.

Also, within a few days we will be doing a promotion for the Christmas cd.  Just had word from an Internet station today that plays our music year round ... will be listing those stations as well.

Back to the books!