A Time to Dance, A Time to Mourn

I think the Byrds hit the nail right on the head

with their song "Turn, Turn, Turn." which 

was adapted the book of Ecclesiastes (3:1).

However, I think in the case of what has been

happening lately, I would change the words

around to "a time to mourn, a time to dance."

Because we have definitely being in mourning, but

now is the time to dance (celebrate) with a start of

a beloved project.

It has taken me a while to write about this subject.

It has been a long and very difficult past month.

I just did not have the words to write about 

this before now.  However, after seeing

what happened yesterday, I think it is time to

share this story.

On June 24, 2013, the world of the Appleton family, 

the Kanawha Salines Church and the Malden

Volunteer Fire Department were turned upside down.

While responding to a call in Sissonville, WV,

Rev. John T. Appleton lost his life in the line of duty.

Sadly, John passed away from a cardiac arrest at the scene.

It was a very difficult week saying goodbye

not only to my pastor, a beloved firefighter but

also my friend.  

My heart is still very heavy.

Not with grief for John because I have no doubt

where he is now.  However, my heart still hurts

for his wife and one of my best friends, Cathy.

My heart still hurts for his family.

My heart still hurts for our church.

And my heart still hurts for the Malden VFD.

The healing process is a long one no matter 

the circumstances.  However, when it happens

so suddenly and without any warning, it seems

to make the healing process just a little longer.

Though I know God has a plan for everyone 

and everyone has only a certain number of

days on this Earth, it is still hard.  

I know though they we have all 

gained a very special guardian angel in Heaven

now and John will always be with us.

I also believe the healing process also got a 

little jolt yesterday from a wonderful project coming

to light.  Before John passed away, he was

working within the community to begin a Farmer's Market

in the town of Malden.  John wanted to bring the community

together not only for the purpose of getting to know your

neighbor but also living a healthier lifestyle.

The market was suppose to open the week John passed away.

Sadly, the opening had to be delayed while all the ins and outs

were figured out after losing our sheperd. 

However, through a lot of love and hard work through

our beloved church members Cathy, Danny and Chris

Proctor, John's dream opened yesterday!

It made my heart a little less heavier yesterday pulling on the 

parking lot and seeing the produce being displayed.

It made my heart a little less heavier when I watched 

customers coming into the market and buying produce.

It made my heart a little less heavier when I heard/read

that we sold out of almost EVERYTHING!!

God truly blessed us yesterday and I know John

was smiling down on us yesterday!

So yes, I believe there is always "A time to dance,

a time to mourn."  

Have a blessed day everyone!

**NOTE**

The market will be opened on Thursdays from 2-7pm

at the Kanawha Salines Presbyterian Church.

We hope to have more and more produce every week.

We will also be offering baked home goodies as well.

We would love to have you come out and see

everything that is being offered weekly.