Tommy, I Miss You

Dear Tom,

You passed from this life on October 22, 2011. I can’t help but remember that today would have been your 51st birthday. It’s been almost 6 months since you left this earth, but I still think of you a lot and miss you. I am thankful that you were a part of my life. You were not only a great brother, but you became a wonderful friend to me during the last year and half of your life. I sure am thankful too that I was on that 14 page prayer list of yours that we found out about after your death. There is probably no telling how many times I was uplifted, encouraged or kept from danger because of your prayers.

I am sad on one hand, because I miss being able to talk to you and share times together, but I rejoice also, because I know you were ready to meet the Lord, and you are now in His loving hands! One day, we will be reunited with you in the presence of the Lord, and what a glorious time that will be!!! Looking forward to seeing you again in God’s time.

Your loving sister,

‘lynnie

 

Blown Away – Part 2

On Monday evening, October 24th, we met at my elder sister’s house to discuss funeral arrangements. While we were there, my sister and I were talking about a particular aunt with whom my brother corresponded on a regular basis. She mentioned how that 2 weeks earlier, that aunt had received a letter from Tom in which he had said that this was the last time he was going to write to her about God. Did he somehow know that his time left on this earth was short? I was blown away.

My brother John who lives in Wisconsin is married and has 3 wonderful children. He told his kids that it was likely that only him and his wife could fly out for the funeral, because they probably would not be able to afford airfare for the whole family. His 10 year old daughter told him that she was going to pray that God would make a way that they could come. My other brother Bob was checking into airfares. A few days later, he found an incredible deal through Southwest Airlines. The deal was so good that John was going to be able to fly out his whole family. God had answered Natalie’s prayer, and I was blown away.

The funeral home that handled the arrangements posted Tom’s obituary online along with a tribute wall where people could post about their memories of Tom. Quite a few people shared stories about how Tom had touched their lives. Some of the stories I knew, and some I did not know or had  forgotten. While reading the various submissions, I realized afresh that the little things that my brother did made a big difference, and I was blown away.

The most pleasant surprises were experienced at the funeral. I saw many people whom I hadn’t seen in years that came to pay tribute to Tom and/or support the family. Beth and Rachel had traveled several hours to be there. As I was on the platform taking my turn to give a eulogy, I saw a blond haired lady standing in the back that looked like someone I knew. “Is that Carmen?” I wondered.  Indeed, I found out later that it was her. She had flown out from Chicago. I was blown away.

The biggest “blow away” for me was yet to come. It was something that my sister Karen revealed when she stood up to give her eulogy.

to be continued…………………………….

 

 

Blown Away – Part 1

It was Saturday, October 22, 2011 and we had just been dismissed from an anniversary service we were attending for a pastor and his family with whom we are friends. We would head over to a nice dinner and fellowship in another room, but before we did that, I decided to check my cell phone for any calls or messages. I saw I had missed calls from both of my sisters, a voicemail and a text from my sister-in-law. I clicked on the text from my sister-in-law and was alarmed to read that my older brother Tom had been rushed to the hospital. I stepped outside and tried calling my older sister. I was only able to get her voicemail, so I called my younger sister. I got through to my sister Ann who tearfully informed me that our brother had passed away. It was so sudden, so unexpected. I felt like my mind was reeling, whirling and trying to grasp what I had just heard. I was blown away.

The next day was Sunday, and I was praying that morning. We had already been in revival for a couple of weeks with an evangelist. I remembered when my dad passed away in 1994, my pastor at the time told me and my sisters who attended the same church that God would make it up to us. I remembered telling God how I wanted Him to make it up to me. I had a friend at the time who was coming to church with me, and I was also teaching her a home Bible study. I told the Lord I wanted Him to make it up to me by filling her with the Holy Ghost. She did receive the Holy Ghost in a church service just a short time later. I remembered this as I was praying, and I asked God to do it again. I asked God to fill someone with the Holy Ghost that Sunday morning, October 23, 2011. Do you know what? God answered my prayer that morning as 14 year old Emily received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues during the altar call. I was blown away!

To be continued………………

 

He Won The War!

Hung on the cross, thief on each side

My Jesus suffered, bled and died

New life attained through His great loss

Thief on each side, hung on the cross.

Himself He gave, our sacrifice

For our redemption paid the price

Shed His life’s blood, our souls to save

Our sacrifice, Himself He gave.

He won the war against all sin

That reigned in Adam and his kin

There’s victory forevermore

Against all sin, He won the war!

1-18-10 This type of poem is called a swap quatrain. See how to write one here.

Matthew 27:38  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

1Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Hebrews 13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Galatians 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1Timothy 2:6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1Peter 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Colossians 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Galatians 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

1John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Romans 6:9  Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

6:10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

Sorrow and Hope

Yesterday, my family and I went to the funeral of a very precious lady. Sister Janiver Brown, a pastor’s wife who had a long battle with cancer passed from this life on January 3, 2009. She was really a wonderful person, and her family and friends who spoke at the funeral told of her devotion to God, devotion to her husband and children, her quiet strength, her ability to be a friend and lend a listening ear and of her being a genuine Christian.  I thought of how different this funeral was from many funerals I have been to in the past. I recall a difficult funeral that my husband had to conduct a few years ago. The young man was only 29 and had died from complications due to a lifestyle of drug abuse. My husband prayed with and talked with this young man while he was in the hospital about turning his life over to God. He did seem like perhaps he wanted to make a change, but then he never had the opportunity. The only thing I could really express to this young man’s mother at the funeral was how sorry I was about what happened to her son, that I would be praying for God to comfort her and give her strength and that if my husband or I could do anything to let us know.

There was something different though at Janiver Brown’s funeral and something that is different at the funeral of every person who dies righteous in Christ Jesus. Although there was definitely sorrow there, there was also hope. This is the hope that is spoken of in I Thessalonians and the hope for which I am so thankful.

1Th 4:13  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1Th 4:14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

Sorrow or Joy

Today was kind of a strange day for me. I woke up still feeling very tired and really not in the mood at all to go to work. I prayed, got dressed and headed out to my morning session. When I got to R’s house, his mother informed me that he was not feeling the greatest. His nose was running, he was coughing some, crying intermittently and clinging a lot to mom. I tried to facilitate communication with him by bringing out a new toy. That lasted for about 5 minutes, and then he was just miserable. After talking with his mom, she decided it was probably best not to continue the session. R actually fell asleep about 5 minutes before I left.  I wasn’t upset about not getting all my hours for that sesssion. Actually, I was overjoyed to be able to leave early and go take care of some errands. I wasn’t glad that my client was sick, but his sickness, which is not pleasant for him, gave me time to take care of some business and have a little time to relax. Later in the day as I was getting ready to go to my afternoon session, I decided to check my work e-mail. Low and behold, I found that my other client had cancelled for today too. This child is also sick. I’m not happy that he is sick, but I found myself rejoicing again that I would be able to have a little more time to do some things around the house. As I was reflecting upon these events, I began to think how an occurence in a life can cause different reactions for different people. I thought about a great pioneer missionary who died recently.  Nona Freeman passed from this life on December 27, 2009 at the ripe old age of 93. This amazing lady had been a missionary to Africa along with her husband and had faithfully served the Lord in the ministry for 70 years. For her family and those who were her close friends, there is definitely some sorrow involved. It’s hard to say good-bye to someone who has been an important part of your life.  How does God feel about the death of this dear lady? I believe the following verse of Scripture would answer the question.

Psalm  116:15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

 

 

Not every death is precious to the Lord, because we read in the book of Ezekiel….

Eze 33:11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

 

I imagine that every day the heart of God is grieved by those who did not serve Him passing into an eternity that is a hopeless end, but those who serve the Lord in truth and die in Christ have an endless hope and a wonderful eternity of unbroken fellowship with Jesus! Because we are human, there will always be an element of sorrow involved with death, even if the person who dies was ready to meet the Lord. However, in God’s eyes, the death of the saint who faithfully served Him is something valuable, something He treasures.

When our time comes to pass from this life, will we bring God sorrow or joy?  By His grace, I plan to be one of those in whom He will take pleasure.

 

 

When You’ve Been There

Several weeks ago, I got a call from a lady who has visited our church on and off for a few months. As soon as she started talking, I knew something was wrong, and she went on to tell me the story of how her 8 month old granddaughter died in her arms.  An autopsy was done later and a cause of death could not be determined. They are considering it SIDS.  My heart broke for her. She was struggling with all the “whys”, battling depression and dealing with feelings of anger toward God for letting it happen. I told her what I felt God wanted me to say at the time, prayed with her over the phone and really encouraged her to be in church the next day. She was in church the next day and cried through much of the service. My husband talked with her quite a bit after service too.  During the next few weeks we did not see her. Every time I called or tried going by her house she wasn’t home. Her daughter who lost the baby lived an hour away, and she was spending a lot of time with her. Although I couldn’t get in touch with her, I tried to make it a point to pray for her often. One of the things I prayed(besides for comfort)was that God would give her a new perspective and help her to see what happened through His eyes.

Last week, she came to church after being gone for a few weeks. During testimony time, she stood up and began to tell how God helped her to break through the darkness that had been surrounding her. The Lord brought the thought to her mind of how Mary must have felt to watch Jesus die on the cross. Although it was a difficult thing for her to endure, it was meant to be. This simple thought has brought her to the place where she is not crying constantly anymore.

Monday night, we had our monthly ladies’ prayer meeting at church. This is where we get together and pray specifically for our children, grandchildren and any other kids we know that need healing, salvation, etc. This lady and her sister came to the prayer meeting.  As we were getting ready to pray, this lady began talking about her granddaughter, how much she missed her and how it was still hard for her. Then the leader of our prayer group began to share something with this lady that she had been through. She had lost a child herself, something that I did not know. She began to share some of the things she went through, walking away from God, drinking, almost losing her marriage, etc. As she was talking another one of our ladies who was a little late came in and sat down and started listening to the conversation. When things got quiet, she too began to share how she had a grandson who died when he was 8 months old and all that she went through. I was so proud of these two ladies that had “been there” and allowed God to use them to help this other lady.  By the time we were through talking, praying, crying, laughing(yes, we even laughed some!)and having a snack together, I know this woman went home with a lighter heart.

I said all that to say that sometimes we go through things that are difficult, and we may wonder if we’re going to make it through or why God has allowed the thing to happen. If we’ll hold onto God and not allow our hearts to be overcome with doubt or bitterness, I believe God will one day bring us to the place where we can help someone else, because “we’ve been there.”

Although the death of this little girl has been difficult, God has already brought to pass 3 miracles.  3 infants were in need of heart surgeries to save their lives. The mother of the little girl who passed away was approached about organ donation, and first said no, but after some time and consideration, changed her no to a yes. All 3 of these infants came through their surgeries and are doing fine. Who knows what special plans God might have for these children.

Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

 

Update: October 11th – I just read a beautiful post written by blogger friend Karen that deals with this same subject. It’s amazing that we both posted about this on the same day. I encourage you to stop by and read Karen’s post. It’s well worth your time. Here is the link to it.

http://khopper.blogspot.com/2009/10/layer-by-layer.html

 

The Original Lie

The Ongoing Original Lie

 

“Ye shall not surely die.”

Throughout history, satan’s lie.

But we always lose, never win,

by becoming entangled in sin.

 

Go ahead. Give the world a try.

“Ye shall not surely die.”

But sin, disguised as a thriller,

is in truth, a treacherous killer.

 

Just partake of that fruit one time.

Surely that can’t be a crime!

“Ye shall not surely die”

is the devil’s alluring cry.

 

When satan whispers in your ear,

be warned, it is to set a snare.

That grand fib we must deny.

“Ye shall not surely die.”

 

written 7-6-09

 

 

Genesis 3:4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

3:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

 

Ezekiel 18:4  Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 

1John 2:15  Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

1John 2:16  For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

 

House On Hayes

If you are a reader of my blog, you know that my mother-in-law passed away on May 5, 2009. I’m thankful that she was a part of my life for over 25 years. I love her and will miss her very much. The following poem I dedicate to her memory. Thanks again to all of you who have expressed condolences and have lifted up our family in your prayers.

House On Hayes

 

The house on Hayes with

the green awning and white vinyl

siding sits empty now

because

Death doesn’t knock when it’s convenient.

However, my mind is still

full with

the memories we made

in Yia Yia’s two-story abode.

 

As if it were moments ago,

I smell the rosemary laden

roasted lamb accompanied by

the browned, juicy potatoes

and carrots. “Please pass the

rice.” says Uncle Mike.

 

Stepping in the living room I

hear Mom, Mike and Dean,

Pete and I. Of course, we’re playing

Password.

“How did you guess that?” yells

Mom. Pete’s clue was “shorter”,

and Mike guessed the correct word.

“Marathon.”

Sometimes those brothers have

a mind meld between them.

 

In the kitchen, I again

see mom

in her element,

baking the goodies we love so much.

“Peter, you really need to lose

weight.” she scolds.

But

in the next breath,

“Here, have some cookies.”

You’ve gotta love that woman!

 

And I do. She made that

house a home where I always

felt welcome. Like a hand that

pulls out of a glove, she has

left that old house. No more

with my eyes will I behold

that fine house.

 

But time won’t erase the

impressions in my heart

created from beautiful memories.

 

5-15-09

 

Cross Roads

As the young man struts

down the street in his tight

muscle shirt and baggy low riders,

it hangs from his neck, golden

and shiny, a symbol of his

sensuality.

 

A middle aged woman

prepares for dinner with

a business client. For a final

touch to her classy ensemble,

the diamond studded ones are

inserted into her ear lobes,

displaying her obvious

wealth.

 

Although I wasn’t present, I

can see it in my mind’s eye.

How do I describe the most

important moment in history?

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t stylin’.

It wasn’t cool. It wasn’t sophisticated.

It was ugly. It was horrific.

It was gruesome, and most of all it was

bloody.

 

The Son of God was a bloody mess as

He labored up the hill with that heavy, heavy cross.

But when I saw the look of love

in His eyes and realized the awful part

I played in His execution, I fell on

my face and cried out for mercy.

Millions have done the same as they

experienced the power of God through

the preaching of the

Cross.

 

A 14 karat gold, glamorized, sanitized

cross is of no

effect.

Give me the life changing one from

Calvary.

 

1-19-09

1Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

1Peter 1:18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: