Calcium, New York

11/14/2024

(The history of the Calcium community and its families continues to be written. The following is from personal remembrances of R.H. Cooper, 1916-2024.)
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To say that my friend (and possibly yours, too), Rene' H. Cooper, was a man of God and a follower of Jesus would be completely correct.

As is true with everyone who follows the Lord, some folks don't know us as redeemed believers. We don't always demonstrate or live in proper obeyance to God's word. We need to work on that.

From raising a family in Jesus, to restarting a church in Calcium after WWII with friends from the Curtis family and others, to leading youth groups at church and more, Mr. Cooper was an inspiration to many people and generations, praising and honoring his Lord.

I often called him "Dad". (It's a Southern thing - ask about it.)

Such a humble, caring, dedicated man is rare and difficult to find in today's world. But that's okay, for it supports and confirms the truth of Scripture about the times ahead - for believers and non-believers alike. (Many of you don't know what you don't know, and that should alarm you.)

Solon of Athens (c. 630 - 560 BC), known as one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece, is famously quoted as saying, "I grow old, always learning many things." Perhaps best known as a philosopher and for important activities in improving civil government, he was also a noted poet. Look into that.

Rene' was growing interested in and also learning about many things. I learned in the last few months that he, too, was of a poetic mind. I will include a sample of his work in the next post.

It was a great pleasure to be a friend and guide to him. To think of what was possible - if we only had a bit more time!

We had grown close, but after years in his silent world and especially after Betty's demise, he feared being abandoned. "Don't leave me," he would sometimes implore me. He said he trusted me, and I thanked God for that every day.

And so, though he was deeply tired of his life in this world, he accepted my counsel that God wasn't finished working through him, and we patiently waited for the calling to his eternal home. Our prayer times together, though typically silent, were shared in spirit and mutual regard. I will always regret his final circumstances and the little I could do for him. May God be merciful to us all!

There is more I will share when able.

As to this post, please send private comments and thoughts to me securely via email or text. My appreciation to those who did so after the previous post. Thank you. Your comments were carefully regarded.

To learn more about Rene', or God's word and salvation, please call me or send email.

May God come to you, bless and comfort you now and always.

Len ("[email protected]" or call/text 315-629-4800)

04/23/2024

Good morning, friends! Hope it will be a great and blessed day for you.

I know a few of you (via secure msgs & emails!) are under a lot of stress with tough situations. All of us are, really, but we rely on God for help to get through 'em. Serving Him, we trust His provision for whatever is needed.

Now, if you're interested in how Rennie's getting along, here's a quick view of our morning.

It was easy to see he was not his normal self. He had a bit of difficulty with some basic essentials - no big deal, nothing unusual, nothing to be alarmed about. It occasionally happens.

After just a few moments though, he wanted to go back to bed. "That's okay", I said. "Nothing on the schedule today anyway." He laid down and closed his eyes.

About a half-hour later, when I checked in he was awake and uttering something quietly.

"Why can't I just die", he asked me for the ?-teenth time. "I'm just so tired. Everything is a struggle and I can't do it anymore."

Told him I understand, and knelt by the bed. We talked about how many times, over how many years, it had been a common topic of so many of our conversations.

Told him stories about elder members of my father's family. How they aged, grew tired and feeble, and just finally "wore out" as some folks might say.

I told him firmly, I believe God is using he and I both as witnesses of Jesus' faithfulness and love. We talked about Betty and her service to the Lord, from the beginning to the very end.

We talked about how awards are given for best actor, best catcher, best-in-show animals and etc etc etc. But also how no awards (outside of heaven) are given for "most worthy servant" of God.

Inspired by that thought, I told him we need to find an old, worn out and well-weatherd board. Just paint "Most Tired Award" on it and hang it on the wall.

The way he laughed at that idea - well, you really would have enjoyed it! Eyes sparkling, he nodded approval for the project. Resting easy again, he closed his eyes. I waited a moment or so, then left. I'll check again in a while.

Now I've got a new project: to find an appropriate piece of old board and.....

Have a wonderful day, blessed with the assurance that God loves you. And us. Always!

- Len Hamilton

04/14/2024

// Hello folks - Len posting here //

Just a quick note to say a new FB page is under construction for Betty's wonderful, inspirational and God-honoring writings.

Along with her stories, other prose and poetry, it will likely feature selections from her catalog of thousands of local and regional images taken over many years.

There may even be a bit of her original watercolor art and pencil sketches, too. Comments and suggestions will always be appreciated!

View the initial new page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558405863450

Thanks for your time and attention - have a wonderful, blessed day!

Join us in learning more about the inspirational thoughts and insights of Betty Linda Cooper as she praises God, encouraging and strengthening anyone in their daily life and activities.

04/06/2024

Well, everybody knows that sometimes it's hard to guess what another person may be thinking. Right? Sure!

Believe me, you prolly ain't ready for this!

This morning, as my "young" friend pushed his walker through the house (with a surprisingly stronger gait than usual), he announced in a clear voice....

"I think I want a motorcycle."

And I knew he meant it. He doesn't say things just to be making conversation.

But I was curious, and we started talking about it.

Told me he has had a couple of bikes in the past, and felt like he could manage a small-size scooter. I told him the were lots of choices available, and new options to think about too.

First is electric models. Harley-Davidson is all over that idea and has some great rides, although a bit pricey (starting at $22k+) for our budgets.

Of course, the used market always has a bunch of worthy considerations. From a few thousands down to just hundreds of bucks, scooters of all kinds are included.

We looked online for some examples (shown below) and talked about what fun they could be, especially when the weather calms down a bit. And it gets warmer of course, lol!

Maybe one day soon we'll take a trip to town and see what can be found. Stop at Mickey-D for a bite of lunch and just enjoy being "oat & a'boat" as some folks say.

To be 108 years of age and still thinking about new adventures is impressive. Got to say, I'm mighty pleased to know this guy.

He is a "pure gentleman", as Alton "Jonesy" Jones, one of his now-deceased friends, referred to him several years ago on his 100th birthday party at Van Tassle's Gunsmithing. The Watertown

Times ran a feature story then about Rennie, and everything! It was a truly big deal.

It's a bigger deal today. He wants to learn about cell phones now, as well.

May all that you ever do glorify God, and reflect appreciation for the manifest abundance of blessings the Father bestows on each of us daily.

-Len Hamilton

02/26/2024

(Len writing here)

Jesus, through Betty, continues daily to influence the lives of people she loved.

Her dad, whom some of us call Rennie, was talking at breakfast this morning about how she handled stress and difficult situations.

I added that she didn't run to others to tell tales of woe or seek advice on addressing problems and other situations.

He pretty enthusiastically agreed. He knew his first daughter well, and trusted her personal judgement and constant reliance upon the Lord in all things. (They shared this house for over 74 years!)

He also knew from their long years together that she'd go straight to God in prayer.

Privately. In the security of her "prayer closet" as it were, wherever she happened to be at that moment.

Our conversation was prompted by an online article from the Williamsburg Sun-Gazette in Williamsport, PA, I had found earlier today.

In that article, titled "Footsteps to Follow: A good name is better than riches", the value of a keeping and preserving your good name was recommended above all else, including all kinds of riches and worldly positions.

Not an easy task in the world today, some folks might say. Not so for others, like Betty and those who truly follow Jesus.

Hoping that you have a great day, friends. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He knows the path to true values and treasures!

>Len Hamilton
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Link:

How many of us are drawn to names of importance, such as a childhood icon, a movie star, a teacher, a leader, or a spiritual mentor? Names can carry a very strong presence, as well as either a good or a bad reputation. Proverbs 22:1 in the English Revised Version states that “a good name […]

01/01/2024

Happy New Year to everyone!

Trusting that Christmas was as good as possible for you, and that the year ahead will bring all of us fresh opportunities blessed by God to do more good things.

And, we all know that not just a few of those things urgently need attention by those with "eyes to see and ears to hear", eh?

Here is the newest pic of Betty's dad, called "Rainie" by some and "Rennie" by others. He responds to each. We were just sitting at the table after a light New Year's Eve dinner.

Just a few months away from turning age 108, he is a most remarkably healthy kind of guy. Still marvelously sharp-minded, too. Attentive and aware, he misses little of what happens around him.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He is the closest connection to our dearly loved Betty.

May all of your days be blessed, your home and family safely cared for, and all else entrusted to the Hand of God and His Providence.

- Len Hamilton

12/10/2023

Len Hamilton here:

Almost no one who only knew me was aware of my long-term relationship with Betty Cooper - both as close friends and ministry partners. We worked together in praising God and loving others.

As you may have read below, we were married October 14 of this year. Less than two weeks later, she died of pancreatic cancer the morning of October 26. She truly was a treasure in Christ to me.

I ask you to learn more about her via her original and inspirational short stories and writings here: https://bettysgardens.com and watch for more in coming weeks and months.

A memorial fund to benefit young writers who reflect her insightful messages is currently being set up. More news about this as the project develops.

Send email (please, no FB messages etc) to "[email protected]" and we will respond quickly. If you would prefer to speak in person, ask for our phone number.

Thank you for reading this. In any event, we pray for God's blessings to you & your home. Have a very joyous Christmas!

06/05/2023

The annual lot holders meeting of the Sanfords Corners Cemetery will be June 12th at 7:00 PM at the cemetery office.

09/14/2021

Sometimes you see the most interesting things out your windows. This picture was taken on Sunday. Keep your eyes open and notice all the great things out there!

05/27/2021

The annual lotholder's meeting of Sanfords Corners Cemetery will be June 14th at 7PM, it will be held at the cemetery office.

10/02/2020

Just a quick reminder that the Calcium Fire Department will be having a chicken barbecue this Sunday, October 4th from 12:00 noon until the chicken is gone. Come out and support this organization and have a good meal!!