Christian Life · death · Eternity

He’s Really Living!

When I was a teenager, I had an aunt and an uncle that reached out to invest in my life. The summer I was 16, they invited me to come spend a couple weeks with them in their Michigan home. I took my first flight by myself and headed off for an adventure!

They had young children at the time and I joined into their family routine during my stay. I remember watching them love their son and daughter, teach them about the Lord, take them to church and just spend time with them. They also spent time with me. We went swimming, out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and played games. They also went on a date while I was there and they trusted me to watch my younger cousins for the evening. When we were in their church services I loved singing the alto part along with my Aunt Jan as the congregation sang together. My aunt talked to me and really listened. She was interested in me and let me know so.

That visit was really just the beginning of them pouring into me. It was because of them that I visited a Christian college where I would eventually attend. They came to my wedding, and also kept up with my life and invested in me many times over in my adult years, always letting me know that they cared. We weren’t in constant contact, but often enough that I was well aware of their love and support.

Two years ago my sweet Aunt Jan entered the presence of the Lord. Before she died, she called to tell me she loved me and she would see me in heaven. How precious that phone call was to me! Her daughter had passed a couple years before her, and I imagined the sweetness of their reunion in the presence of Christ. I got to see my aunt on her death bed and she was ready to meet the Lord. Her body was tired and so weak, and she knew she would soon be getting a glorified one! As she spoke to me about leaving her husband, my Uncle Jim, she said, “I just hope he doesn’t sit around and mope after I’m gone. I want him to go on living.” I’ve prayed for him many times since her passing, asking the Lord to help him do just that.

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cat · death · Family life

The Cat that Occupied My Heart

The fur ball above came into our family after the loss of another beloved cat, Oreo. How I loved Oreo! She was one of those “easy going” cats. She loved big. She was sweetly dispositioned. She never ruined furniture or ate our Thanksgiving turkey. The only thing she did to bring alarm was to leave her hunting prizes on our doorstep, and on one occasion, she brought it inside! After her death, I was not ready to try to find a replacement. I knew that was impossible. Then one day…

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death · Eternity

You’re Preaching Your Own Funeral

Seasons of loss bring reflection and contemplation in the solitary moments of your own grief. It boils all the complexities of life down to the very rudiments of our existence. To pass through this valley without it is to waste a very precious time of learning and growth.

As I attended the funeral of my dear father this week, I heard these words spoken about my dad…

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death · Family life

Finally Home

I was a daddy’s girl. In my elementary school days I was a bit of a tomboy, mostly because I wanted to do what my dad did. I would spend time in the yard with him. I loved playing ball with him. I would tag along when he went to the barber shop. In my teen years he was mainly the one that taught me to drive. After I got my license he offered me the newer, sportier car to drive to school IF I would learn to drive a standard transmission. He patiently endured my jerky stops and lunges when I popped the clutch! We played tennis together and took walks in the snow on our country road. I loved to hear him try to tell a joke. He would cry so hard tears would stream down his cheeks. He had a quiet, gentle spirit, reminiscent of Matthew on Anne of Green Gables. He was a servant, always putting others before himself.

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Dealing with hard times · death · God's Will

When You’re Waiting On God

What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails
And puppy-dogs’ tails,
That’s what little boys are made of.

For one of our little grandsons, that poem is so accurate. He loves any kind of animal, and will warm up to whatever dog or cat is around, no matter its hesitant nature towards children. He has a way with them, and a heart that melts to love and care for this furry friend. His brother is far more resistant and quite leery about animals, perhaps knowing how quickly one can turn on an unsuspecting child.

Last year, their parents did the loving thing and purchased a puppy for their animal-loving son and his twin brother. Beasley was welcomed into their home as a wiggling, barking, ever-moving Labradoodle. His teeth were never satisfied with the likes of store-bought teethers. He would nip and snip at the boys when they were running through the yard. Our animal lover thought this was hilarious; his brother was traumatized by it. All kinds of dog-training methods were used, but over time the puppy continued to howl and bite, and the frightened grandson, became more and more upset.

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