Ants in church

“Ants in Church” ?

  I went to church one balmy summer evening in July. As we were singing heartily I felt something bite my leg. Checking it out, I found it was a big black ANT! Smash ! I think I got him. Oh  no! There’s another one climbing across my Bible. Yep! Smash! I got him too. 

A sweet spirit deacon sat on my left and he found one crawling u p his arm.Squash! Another one! That makes three! I smiled as he got into the battle with me.

           Later we tried to listen to a fine message. Then one went crawling across the back of the seat in front of me! BANG! Everyone around me jumped as my hand crash landed on the top of the cushioned seat. Oh no! Another one is crawling on my right leg. Where are they coming from? I’ve heard of church mice but church ants?”  When the service concluded,  I picked up my Bible bag, a special Christmas gift that I treasure.  Then I couldn’t believe what I saw! A swarm of ants were crawling all over the inside of the bag. “I’m so embarrassed. I won’t tell anyone.  I’ll hustle out to the car and get home.”

            As soon as I pulled into the garage I jumped out of the car, grabbed my bag and dumped the contents on the garage floor. Dozens more scampered hither and yon! I picked up my Bible which was nestled inside of an old maroon Bible cover. As I unzippered the sides, out came a half dozen more. I wiped off the outside of the Bible and then scanned through the inside to see if any more were hiding. Step!  Squash!

I started to get the ones that were close to my feet on the floor.

            Next- I opened my little black purse and an army of ants came scooting out! The attraction – all my life savers ( even though sugar free) and cough drops- the source of their feast. Gingerly I took out two writing pens and dumped the rest of the contents into the garbage can. The last articles that had been in my bag were some Kleenex which were perfect hiding places for those who didn’t get away. As I then turned the Bible bag inside out, a dozen more fell through the air. After cleaning the bag I put my Bible and empty purse back into their place and went inside. I smiled thinking of what a neat gift the bag was and how it became a “Haven of Rest” for a large colony. How great is our God to make me smile at the end of that Lord’s day.

            It seems like the ants got into my place when I was away for a few days . When they crawled into my office area they were there to stay when they found this bag and feasted on some wonderful treats. Perhaps some of them went back outside and invited all of their cousins to come and share. How shocked they must have been to take a ride, end up in church where they heard the Gospel and the singing. 

“Ants are creatures of little strength yet they store up their food in summer. “ Proverbs 30:25

            They surely were doing a fabulous job of storing in my house!

A smattering of pictures from across the years

Nursing graduation picture

Donald's graduation picture

My handsome dentist

Our wedding

Our young family

Don and I in Israel

Traveling for ministry

God is good

6 years old

God has been so good to me over all these years. Born in 1928, I was the oldest of six children. Though we did not have an overabundance, our home was filled with love and laughter, even through the dark days of the Great Depression.

My high school years at McKeesport High School were filled with music and yearbook assignments. Though I wasn't particularly fond of algebra, those high school years prepared me well for my nurses training at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

This is where the story gets a little complicated--but oh, so wonderful. I eventually met my wonderful husband, Donald DeLancey. It took me a while to figure out that I would marry him. I sure am glad I did! God gave us children of our own and plenty of adventure to go along with raising a family of three sons and a daughter.

Between Don's dental practice and my involvement with church music, we sure kept busy! But we were also so grateful to explore the world and encourage missionaries in the far reaches of the globe. Missions was an important part of our lives as was being involved in creation science education for many, many years.

Skip ahead now many years. Don is with the Lord and my children are grown. Over the last several years, I have been reflecting on my life and have clearly seen God's hand in every event. Through much toil, I have chronicled these events in a book entitled, "It Didn't Just Happen." Initially intended for my children, God has used the published book to give testimony to many.

I hope you will take an opportunity to walk with me through life's journey through written page and marvel at the work of God in my life.