Saints in My Life

 

Powerofhumility.org

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

This past Sunday was All Saints Day. It is a day set aside to remember and honor those believers who have gone on before us. My best friend lost her older sister in May of 2014. That November, she was invited to her sister’s church for a special service honoring those who had gone on to heaven in the previous twelve months.  She said the service gave her closure.

 

In 2019, our church received a new pastor who chose to observe All Saints Day. This was the first time for several of us to have a service like it. One of the blogs I subscribe to suggested we write about this observance and possibly write about those saints in our lives.

 

When I was a young adult, I met, Crystal, a wonderful Christian lady who loved the LORD. Her health was not always the best. Her children went their own way, her grandchildren eventually did the same. She loved them anyway. She stood by them when they messed up. She loved me when I had some issues. As I was told, she was in church one Sunday. When she and her husband left the church, she told him she had to go to the hospital. It was at the hospital that Jesus came and took her home.  Her son and his wife returned to the LORD. This daughter-in-law passed on. Her son’s second wife was active in the same church with him. I know Crystal watched from heaven as her children returned to Him.

 

As I grew in the LORD, I started attending a church about a half-mile from our home. There I met Evelyn, the organist, who lent me a book by William Murray, son of Madelyn Murray O’Hare. (My Life Without God). It made we wonder why someone who looked so saintly would own such a book. She told me about herself, how she had to raise her daughter alone. She had to end her marriage. Her daughter was quite young at the time. She had to be both mother and father to that daughter. She never told her in-laws about things that occurred. Each Saturday, she called him to see how he was doing. When she received word that her ex-husband had died, she and her daughter drove back to their original hometown, two states away, to attend his funeral.

 

When we started attending our present church (pre-merger), we met Barbara who was a caregiver for her middle-aged adult son, Greg. He was the victim of a terrible wreck when he was a teenager. While Greg was in the hospital, her younger son, age 12, was hit by a car and died. Greg went to college. Had a good job. He married; he and his wife had a son. They went through a divorce. After this, Barbara cared for him in her home. (I am uncertain how many years she cared for him.) A few years ago Greg had to go to a nursing home. In time, this lady went to the same facility.

 

I found out about a month ago that her husband had a difficult time with diabetes. He lost a leg and was hospitalized for a lengthy time. He later had indications that the diabetes was going to cause him to lose his other leg. She cared for him at home. The whole time I was in fellowship with her, she never complained about what she had to do.

I have learned a lot about these dear women. I learned they loved the LORD, and they did not complain about the paths they had to take during their earthly lives. Without realizing it, I have learned not to complain about wherever God leads me.

Thoughts on Memorial Day

Wallpaper Cave

My grandpa on my dad's side of my family fought in World War 1. His grandfather fought in the Civil War and died at Andersonville Prison in Georgia.

My dad served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in World War  2 and the Korean War. He was not in Korea but was stationed in Puerto Rico.

My uncle served in the Army in the 1950s. He was stationed in Germany.  He had a friend whose brother was a career Marine. That brother died in Vietnam.

My husband served in the United States Navy during the 1960s. He is considered a Vietnam Era veteran.

Yesterday, I began thinking about how blessed I have been that the men that I knew/know in my family were able to return home. Then I thought of some of the guys I was in college with who didn't have that opportunity. I remember one of the boys from my high school class also didn't return home to his family.

I will try to remember that Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives for our
freedom.

ABOUT THE GRAPHIC:
     I first saw this picture on the cover of my seventh grade  U.S.History book.  I always think of it when I think of the Marines of the Pacific and the sacrifices they made.

God, The Alpha, The Omega

messyanic.com 

Devotion:

 I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the LORD God, who is and who was and is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

He said to me,’ It is done, I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning, and the End. To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.’” Revelation 21:6 (NIV)   

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13 (NIV)

Jesus Christ speaks these words to John. In John’s vision of Christ’s return to earth, He chooses to convey the same thought three times. Throughout His Word, God emphasizes the importance of something by saying it two or three times.

Because of the importance God places on this role, we are to honor Him in all we do. When He created our earth. Jesus and His Holy Spirit were present at that time. (Genesis 1:2; 1:26)

God created the heavens, the earth and all the flora and fauna on it. (Psalm 24:1-2) He gives us them for our enjoyment. In our travels as a family, we have witnessed deer in Shenandoah National Park. My hubby and our son saw evidence of the presence of a bear, fresh claw marks on a tree in a Colorado forest. As a child, I remember seeing a man, along a highway, herding goats in Georgia. He had reasons for creating these animals.

Every spring, homeowners tend to spruce up their yards with flowers, with shrubbery, or with trees. Our prayer walk at church receives tender loving care as several people weed and transplant flowers from their gardens into the flower beds.

We have written evidence of God’s presence with us as we were being formed. (Psalm 139:13-16) We believe that God when He is ready, chooses to call home those who walk with Him before others while they are here on earth.

    

Interview with a Roman Soldier

ubdavid.com

Quiet Spirit: Today, we have with us Servius Antonius Balduinus, a Roman soldier who was garrisoned at Jerusalem during the Jewish Passover when the Jews confronted Pontius Pilate that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. Thank you for consenting to visit Following My King.

Servius Antonius Balduinus Thank you for inviting me. As you said I was garrisoned at Jerusalem when the Jews confronted Pontius Pilate about this man called Jesus. Rome anticipated trouble and supplied us with additional troops to contain any uprising that might occur from the Jews.

Q. S.: Was this something new to you? Or had you seen other such actions?

S. A. B.: While I was there, I participated in several crucifixions. I thought the previous ones were all the same. However, the one with this man Jesus was . . . different. In the other ones, the criminals on the crosses shouted down curses onto us and the onlookers. This man Jesus asked His Father to forgive us. Forgive us? We caused Him to die and, yet, He sought God’s forgiveness for us.

Q. S.: Did you have any doubts about this one?

S. A. B.: “Why,” I asked myself “are we taking His very life?” Pilate told the Jews he found no guilt in this man and, yet, he turned Him over to the crowd. Yes, I joined in when my fellow soldiers divided up his garments, to the point of drawing lots when they decided to gamble for his undergarment As I look back, I realize it was so wrong to do. We justified it because there were four of us and he had five items of clothes. The undergarment was seamless, and we didn't want to cut it.

Q. S.: Did any people stand out to you? Did any of them act differently from the rest?

S. A. B.: While this horrific event was unfolding, I noticed a small group of four women and one young man watching. Later, I learned that one of the women was His mother. How terrible this must have been for her to watch: people brutalizing her own flesh and blood. I remember this Jesus calling down to her, “Woman, behold, your son!” And to the man, “Behold, your mother!”

Q. S.: How did this event affect you?

S. A. B.: Then my superior officer appointed me to puncture each of the three men in their side with my spear. After that, in case that process had not rendered them dead, I had to break their legs. When I approached the other two, they were still alive. I will always remember their screams of agony.

But this Jesus was already dead. I thought about all that I had seen and heard from this man Jesus, then I realized. “This man was truly the Son of God.” I Have not forgotten Jesus and what He did for each of us. My life has not been the same.

Q. S.: Thank you Servius Antonius Balduinus, for being here with us.

The True Light

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. John 1:9-10 (ESV)

John calls Jesus the true light. When something is true, we know it to be real. We know that fact to be as stated. In present-day language, we know something that is true to be the real deal.

However, John lets us know that the world, which was made through him, did not know Jesus. The Pharisees and the Sadducees chose not to believe his message. We have this condition here in the present age. Some people have chosen not to believe in Jesus and some have never had the opportunity to meet Him.

As we come to know Jesus as the King of our lives, we learn to wait on Him and His direction for our lives. Sometimes have to search the scriptures for His words to tell us what we must do. We may have times when all we can do is follow His leading and wait for the outcome He has planned. 

Do You Hear What I hear?

The Light

the preachersword.com 

                In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5 (ESV)

John uses the word light as a way to make us think about the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives. Light guides us as we travel. It brings comfort as we relax after a long day.

John tells us the light of Jesus shines in the darkness. Who among us had not had a condition or an issue in our lives that we could not handle on our own? However, when we sought Jesus’ guidance or comfort, He led us through to the right resolution.

As we celebrate Jesus, let us always remember Him and all He does in our lives. He is present for us never leaves us or forsakes us. He saved us from our sin. He sustains us through the difficulties this world brings to us. He provides us with food, shelter, and clothing.

In our traveling as a family, we toured a few caves along our trips. In each of the tours, the guides allowed us to experience total darkness. In two of those settings, there were small children in the group. Those children cried and screamed because they were scared. I can imagine what it would be like for people who live without Christ when they face “darkness” in their lives. The Bible refers to a time of screaming and gnashing of teeth. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matt 13:49 (KJV)

However, if we know the Lord Jesus as the King of our lives, He has spared us from that.

Memories of a Christian Lady

http://afamileeaffair.blogspot.com/2013/02/memories.html

This past Friday afternoon, I attended a memorial service for a lady named Barbara from our church who passed into her heavenly home back in the winter. After her son had gone to be with Jesus, her daughter who lives in Texas took their mother back to Texas to live near her.

Barb’s son, Greg, was a quadriplegic. He was severely injured in a wreck when he was 17. He attended and graduated from college, married and had a son. At some point he and his wife chose to divorce. At the time of his accident, his younger brother, Brian was looking for someone to take him to the hospital to see Greg. A car hit this 12-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle.

           

When we visited her church one Wednesday evening, Barb approached us after the service, introduced herself, and told us about Greg and Brian. Both my friend and I felt we had found a home.

When I went back to work, my route took me across town and on the street that went near their home. One morning, I was stopped for construction traffic about three blocks from them. The car behind me didn’t stop and then that driver backed that car up and ran off. I was angry and scared. The only one I could think to call was Barb. I told he what happened and asked her to come down and sit with me until Hubby could get there. I asked her to wait until Greg’s home health care people were there. She came but I never asked her if someone was there with Greg.

The women’s circle at the church received the name B and B. We are a merged church. The initials stand for the names of the women in both former churches that strived to keep the circles going. One of the “B”’s stands for Barbara.        

The format was different from any memorial service I have attended. The daughter wanted everyone to sit around tables, enjoy a meal and then share their memories of her mother. I know she is in that cloud of witnesses watching over those she loves. I will never forget this wonderful Christian lady who never complained and never spoke badly about anyone.

Heaven is Richer, A Memorial Poem

kickstarter.com

While I was unplugged, we were on vacation. A friend texted me and told me our brother-in-Christ, Greg E. had to be admitted to one of our hospitals and was in ICU. Greg had a car wreck in the 1970's and was severely injured. When I met him, he was confined to a power chair due to his quadriplegia. He was paralyzed from the chest down. He was a man of God. He always shared what God had put   on his heart. I penned these words as a form of being thankful that  I  had the privilege of knowing Greg and his wonderful mother and son. When I shared this with our pastor, he asked me to allow him to read if, quoting me, during the memorial service. Now, those of us here get to pray that God will raise up others like Greg E. to continue working in His Kingdom.  

Last week, heaven admitted our friend.

The Lord asked him the question

He will ask each of us one day.

Greg’s journey, though t’was hard, is over.

We are not sad, you see, ‘cause we know

He lived his life for our Lord.

He prayed for each of us.

When he prayed, we knew God listened.

Down here, his body was confined,

However, his spirit was not.

Now, he runs foot races with the men

And dances with every woman.

He’s in our cloud of witnesses,

Watching us as we serve Jesus.

We are richer for knowing him

And now heaven is richer still.

By Cecelia Lester

Written in memory of Greg Ellis who passed from this world into his eternal home on August 26, 2016. 

Book Review: I Hope it’s not Hereditary, by Jedidiah Hartley

               Jedidiah Hartley writes a series of stories about his father, Evangelist Bob Hartley. This book tells about his father and many antics that Bob Hartley performed as a child growing up, as a young adult on his own, and an adult during the years as Jedidiah grew up.

              

               The tales this son shares with his readers remind me of stories one would hear around a kitchen table. A son would say something like, “Do you remember when,” or “Let me tell you about my dad.”

While Jedidiah Hartley shares stories from his dad’s life, some rather embarrassing, the reader will get the feeling that this son is proud of his father in spite of the crazy antics, Bob did.

               I usually choose to review books that deal with spiritual growth. There was some spiritual growth in this collection of stories. This book starts out like a biography and changes toward the end to a memoir.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy stories about families and those members who have come through times brought about by their own choosing.

There was a drawback to my really liking this book. The title on the Book Club Network site read, “Hope it’s not hereditary.” The actual title of the book was “I Hope it’s Not Hereditary” I found this misleading.

               I received this book from Whitaker House publishing via Book Fun and Book Club Network free of charge. All they asked of me was an honest review.

                

Some Pictures of the Weekend 5/26/2014

Teddy and Cindy Lou in our rock garden.

Veteran's Tribute Sculpture at Church

The man who heads up this project.

The cross for one of our county's fallen soldiers.

The cross for one of the fallen from Indianapolis

A close up of the flags in the Memorial Day Rememberance
(My son took this last year when he was home.)

    

As seen from the intersection (3X a year)

Our side yard. 'Pansies at the Pump."       

Rest in Peace Mary Emma

I stopped in at the church office to get some room numbers of people who were in the hospital. Alice, the secretary on duty, asked if my friend Martha had talked to me in the previous hour. I replied she hadn’t.

Alice then told me the news, “Mary Emma Taylor had passed away.”

On my drive home, I thought about how old she was. “Ninety-one years old.” Later, I would look at the picture we have of her and her husband. He stood up with a friend when that friend got remarried. They were dressed up and smiling. I will remember them both that way.

When I arrived home, Hubby looked at me and I knew someone had told him. Martha had called; Loretta had also called. When I checked our caller ID, I saw that Vicki had called. I returned Martha’s and Loretta’s calls. When I tried Vicki’s number, I got her voicemail and left a message.

She and Bernard were married for 65 years. Her husband had predeceased her. Both of them had helped each other through several serious health crises and always had a great attitude. They helped those around them. Sometimes all she would do was listen. When she gave guidance, it was from her heart.

Those who knew and loved her will miss her. But, I see her standing by her house in heaven smiling her sweet smile and talking to all who pass by. I know that when any of us who knew her, worked with her, loved her will enter into heaven, she will be there waiting for us. In the meantime, she is in our cloud of witnesses, urging us on to do what God has planned for us.

Graphic: www.fantom-xp.com

The Lord Strengthened Moses

“The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you,

and I will give you rest. Moses said to him, ’If your presence does not

 go with us, do not send us from here.’”

Exodus 33:14-15 (NIV)

Moses asks the Lord to be with him on the journey. Moses feels ill-equipped to lead the Israelite children out of bondage and into the Promised Land. God replied by telling his servant that He will be with him.

Do we sometimes, feel we can’t do the task laid out before us? If we do, that means we will have to lean on God to get us through what lay ahead. I will always fondly remember the pastor that advised us from the pulpit to try something that we could fail at if we tried to do it alone. We need God to be with us throughout our days.

One of my Facebook friends, a gentleman who writes and speaks at writing conferences, had gone through Cancer treatment. Right after he finished a round of those sessions, he spoke at a writer’s conference. Just before he was to speak, he prayed and said, “I don’t think I can do this.” God heard his plea and spoke, “Now, I can.”

Dear God;

               Thank You for the strength You give us when we face events and activities that we deem hard for us. Nothing is too hard for You. We thank You for loving us and guiding us through every day of our lives. We give You all the praise. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN

Graphic: ilifejourney,wordpress.com

Adoration RJD December 2012

wikimedia

(Taken from Journal 2/26/1997)

Adoration-that’s the devotional topic this week (disciplines for the inner life.) One writer says we use the word ‘adore’ to describe lesser and silly things. And that we have lost the practice of Adoration to God in “superficial wonder and feeling.” (Edward J Farrell)

Pastor Mike, a former pastor at a church we belonged to,  used to tell us we were to “Worship God for Who He is.” that we were to focus upon the person of God and not upon what He can do for or give to us.

Psalm 150 tells us to praise the Lord. The psalmist uses the word “praise” 13 times in six verses. A footnote told me that the phrase “Praise the Lord” in Hebrew is hallelia Yah. The English language has directly taken this Hebrew phrase and made it into one word.

God is Creator, pure, just, merciful, honorable, faithful, truth, liberator, and unifies His children.

Holy one, set apart 

All powerful, none stronger

  Liberator frees us from our sin.

 Life eternal, forever alive                                                                       

Everlasting, no end to God’s presence

 Love, unconditional                                                                       

Yokefellow, always beside us.

All Knowing

 Heavenly Father

Update:

As I prepared this journal entry, I received a phone call. One of the  ladies of our church l had passed away. On Monday, my visitation partner and I went to the hospital to make a call on this dear person. She told us that she had someone with her at all times; her Jesus was with her at all times. Before we left, we had prayer for her; then she had prayer for us. We who went to minister to her, received a great blessing.This lady is with the Lord as of November 30, 2012.  Her Celebration of Life service was Wednesday.

Linking up to beneaththesurface-dawn.blogspot.com

Arvella’s In Heaven

One of my dearest friends, Martha, lost her stepmother recently. Arvella G. left this world of pain after living here for 100 years.

Her family knew her demise was coming. She experienced heart problems this fall. The only way I can explain how lovely this woman was and how much she meant to her family is to share some stories about her.

When she married Martha’s dad-a widower with three grown children, she became grandma to the grandchildren at that time and to those that came later. Even in telling her own grandchildren, Martha said, “Grandma has died.”

When David, Martha’s husband, suffered a massive heart attack, Arvella graciously let me come to her home to find out how he was progressing. We talked about my family and Martha’s daughter’s and their children. I believe I was there over an hour.

Last December, I went to the area Healthcare Campus where Arvella had chosen to move four and a half years earlier. My reason for being there was to purchase some of the calendars they had made for a community project. She was sitting in the lobby. She smiled the same sweet smile as she had done since I had met her back in the 1970s. We talked about the usual things-how were my son and husband doing, how was I doing? She somehow got the idea that I was ‘so busy’ with things.

I met Tom, one of her nephews, and Judy, his wife, and family when my son and I started going to another church in 1981. I gave Judy our address. She told me, “I know right where that is. Tom’s aunt lives in that area.” I didn’t know until one of Tom’s uncles died that Tom’s aunt was Arvella.

When our son graduated from high school, Martha’s younger daughter, Sheila, was in his class. I remember Martha and David, her dad and Arvella sat behind us at the service.

It was always a joy to see her and hear of her activities. She used to go to the grocery store on Thursdays. One time I saw her there. She smiled and greeted me. We talked briefly. Her disposition always made me feel good.

All those who had the opportunity to know her received a special reward. The family received a very definite blessing.

At her funeral, one of the pastors told of her activities while she resided at the assisted living facility. She belonged to the Red Hat Society. She learned sign language and took Spanish 101. She posed for a picture for a community calendar the healthcare campus published.

She will be missed, but she hasn’t really left us. She lives in our hearts. Everyone who knew her has a couple of stories to share about her.

Those who went to the cemetery were invited to take a flower from the arrangements with them. I selected a rose that was just beginning to open. It graced my coffee table for almost two weeks.

Glenna H.-Divinely Healed

Our church has been blessed by having Glenna as a part of “Acting Up In Church”, it’s drama ministry. She contributed to the group with ideas and her willingness to help out where she could.

This past February, our son was relocating to another state. When we had a planning meeting in early January, I told the group that he was looking for work in other regions and I might need some help, if Hubby and I might be needed to help him. As it worked out, I directed the February skit. I asked Glenna to co-direct with me because, as things happened, our son did relocate that month. She was invaluable.

She did some research for our fundraiser, “Acts n Snacks”. She worked near a food service outlet that the ministry leaders had as possible avenues for getting our snacks and. Another time, she handed me some notes she took after she had heard something on the radio. She thought it would make a great skit and had me write it.

The drama ministry will not forget her. We will be performing the short play she inspired in September. There are other ways the troupe will remember her in the future.

She learned to crochet and to knit by attending the church’s craft club. She had some yarn with her one day. I commented on the fact that the color was my favorite-teal. A few weeks later, she handed me a gift wrapped package. When I got home I opened it, inside was a teal broomstick lace scarf that she had made. I intend to wear it to her services later today.

As the church family was going through paying their respects to Bob E.’s family (see 8/13 entry), we received word that Glenna developed a complication from a surgical procedure she had undergone that morning. A short while after I received word of the added problem, I called to tell a friend I was going to be gone for a while and she could reach me on my cell phone. My friend was in tears. “Glenna didn’t make it.”

As I look back on her brief illness, four weeks since the diagnosis of Lung Cancer, I remember wondering how she would withstand the treatments. I reflected on my step-mother and what the treatment doctor told her. I also remembered a neighbor of a friend who had taken treatment in the 1980s and how, ten years later, she had gone through some serious illnesses that some thought stemmed from her receiving too much of the element in her treatment.

God spared Glenna from the possible sickness that can come with the treatments.

We don’t always understand why He chooses to take someone from us but He has his reasons. We have to remember God sees the big picture while we see a small segment, maybe just a pixel.

Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her has their own ‘Glenna story’ to remember her by. She was such an addition to any group she was in.

Yes, we will all miss Glenna. She loved the Lord. I’m sure she is sitting at Jesus’ feet and telling Him about each person in her life.

She has joined that great cloud of witnesses and will be watching over us. And when our time comes to enter Heaven, she will be there, arms wide open, to welcome each one of us.

Bob E.-Gone on Ahead

I received the call Sunday evening. Bob E. had suffered a heart attack and died a few hours earlier. He and his wife were the church custodians. They had been youth leaders in another church we belonged to. People never spoke of Bob without speaking of his wife, Joyce. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

Because of the suddenness of Bob’s departure from us, we are all in shock. Men who had been in the youth group several years ago have called their family members to find out what had happened. Our son received an email from one of his high school youth group friends who relocated to Houston Texas, making sure he knew.

The words don’t come easily. We all have received another lesson in how quickly life can change. Life is precious. As people of a faith community we believe from a spiritual standpoint Bob was ready to go. We are thankful he didn’t suffer.

Kenny L.’s in the Church Triumphant

A child going to Heaven

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 (KJV)


Those of our church family have another friend who will be waiting for us when it’s our turn to enter Heaven. He and his wife will greet us, He, with his great big smile and a great big bear hug. She, with her beautiful smile and quiet presence.

We didn’t know he was as ill as he was until about three weeks ago. He will always be remembered for his trademark sense of humor and his gentle caring attitude. He teased those he loved; some of us he REALLY loved.

Kenny lived a full life with lots of activity. He had been a Boy Scout leader, working with some who became Eagle Scouts. He had worked as a school custodian for several years. There he took the time to listen to all who needed guidance.

He, his late wife, and their son chose to drive from another town every Sunday to worship with us. Almost five years ago, he went through a major health crisis. During that ordeal, his family almost lost him four times. God allowed him to stay with us these five years. It has been our privilege and blessing to have him with us since his other serious illness.

A dear friend called me late in the afternoon the day of the funeral. She had accompanied two others down to the town Kenny and his family called home for the calling the night before. She commented on the picture boards. All the pictures showed Kenny and Sue Ann smiling and enjoying life.

Kenny lived his faith. Our pastor told of the last time he went to see him. Pastor John said, “I’ll see you, Kenny. Kenny didn’t miss a beat. “I’ll see you, John, in heaven.”

Those who were able to visit him in the hospital came back and told us the same thing. Kenny was ready to go to Heaven and spend time with Jesus and with his wonderful wife.

His children chose to bring Kenny to church for his celebration of life. His son, Kelly, still had the bulletin from Sue Ann’s service almost three years ago. It was Kelly’s wish to have the same music for his dad’s service.

Kenny was ready to go to heaven. He lived his faith every day. It is my wish that everyone would have that outlook.
_________

Note: Transferred to the Church Triumphant was on the face of the bulletin for this home going. I have seen it used for other funerals at the church.

Ann Received The Crown of Life

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,

because when he has stood the test, He will receive

the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12 (NIV)



As I scanned the funeral services section of our local paper Friday night, I saw the name Ann Hershman. Her service was to be Saturday at a church on Indianapolis’ north side. After an online search, I found I was right, this lady was a lady I knew.

I had lived across the street from her when we were in our youth. Her dad was the minister of the church where I worshipped. We attended the same college. She graduated from high school a year before me. We were friends as well as neighbors.

She passed away about a month ago from complications related to treatments for brain cancer. She had been a founding member of a house church. She spent over 30 years teaching high school in Indianapolis Public Schools.

Her life seems to have been one of hardships in spite of her relationship with and her belief in God. She was widowed twice; both times seemed to be tribulations for her. Her parents died about six weeks apart. Her second husband, an Alzheimer’s patient died three years later.

I found myself doing something I don’t usually do-I asked God, “Why?” I specifically asked Him, “Why would someone who gave their life to serving You and others have to suffer so in her life as well as her death?

The answer I heard went something like this. She is at home now. She is surrounded by her parents and grandparents and others she held dear. She has received her crown, the crown of life.

She will be missed by her children and grandchildren, her siblings and their children. Those who worshipped with her will always remember her faith and strength. Her students will remember more fondly as time progresses.

I learned a lesson from this time of doubt. When we ask the deep “Why” questions, He will answer. And show us how He appraises the situation. He does this because of His love.

Karla’s In Heaven

And God will wipe away each tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death ,nor sorrow, nor crying .

There shall be no more pain, for the former thing have

passed away.” Rev 21:4



Heaven is a sweeter place this week. Karla went to live there this past Sunday. She fought Cancer for about three and a half years.

She will be missed. She went to one of our charge conferences a few years ago with the stack of get well cards she had received from people at church. She was in remission at that time. As I heard the story, she spoke before those gathered and told the how much it meant to her to know that she and her husband were not alone in her battle with Cancer.

When our former church merged with another one, Karla was the head of the trustees who oversaw the task of moving. When she was in remission, she still felt able to work in that capacity.

She took a positive attitude about having Cancer. Even when she started having issues with her legs, she told us she would beat the disease.

Before she became ill this last time, she helped out when the church had a funeral dinner. She always had a pretty smile. Recently, when some of us from church went to visit and pray, she still had her warm beautiful grin.

As much as we will miss her, we know she is with God and that she received the best healing, God’s divine healing.

Martha: Transferred to Heaven

I wrote this on Thursday evening. That afternoon, my sister-in- law, Martha, left behind her pain, took Jesus’ hand and entered her new home with Him. Yes, we will miss her but we know she will not suffer up there.

She recently had surgery to improve her ability to walk. She was recovering well. Jim, my husband, thought she would be able to have a more active life. One of our nieces told us Martha was so thrilled to be able to go to Wal-Mart and walk around rather than using a motorized scooter.

A few days ago, I wrote a long prayer to God telling him what he already knew about her condition. The last paragraph stated what I will always believe about these past eleven days.



Dear Father God:

I don’t know what awaits us in this situation but You do. I ask your guidance as we walk this path. We trust You for all things. We will give You the praise for the outcome. We only want what’s best for Martha.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN



In my reading this week, I read about Jehovah-Rophe, God who heals. (Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler).

I found this passage most helpful: “Physical healing is a temporary remedy for mortal bodies. Ultimately, God’s healing work on this earth points to the healing all of us will receive in Heaven, where there will be no such thing as birth defects, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, AIDS, strokes, depression, diabetes, leukemia, hemophilia, or the common cold.”

One of my Sunday School teachers once told our class that divine healing, being taken home with God, was the best healing, a complete healing.

God heard our prayers. We only wanted what was best for her. As people hear of Martha’s going home, they will experience the loss we feel.

Shortly after we realized that we would lose her, Jim and I thought of an incident in her life that was truly Martha. I’m sure there are as many cute stories about her as she had friends.

I thank you for reading about our loved one and my humble thoughts about her home going.