I bet she's growing sunflowers, and sharing her beautiful smile with everyone she sees. She may even be giving out old-fashioned, homemade Mainer remedies! haha! I'm remembering her today & thanking God for the time we had her here...
From my journal: March 14, 2011:
"The LORD gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of The LORD” - Job 1:21
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This Friday morning I had the blessing of watching my third beautiful nephew enter this world. I heard his first cry, as fresh air entered his lungs. I saw his little face shy away from the light, and his ears turn towards the noises around him. My heart swelled with the wonder of this little baby before me, and in that moment I gave his little life over to our Father, praising Him for blessing our family with this little boy. I'm sure in the years ahead, there will be many more moments like this....when I'll need to give his care over to The God of Heaven, and acknowledge that He knows best, and that He loves this little one even more than we do...
Today I got home from work to discover a sadness in my home. A sadness that has gripped my heart, as I mourn the Home-going of a dear friend, and faithful saint. Pat has gone Home to Glory; and today, the angels are rejoicing as another child is welcomed into the Holy City, but here on Earth, tears are being shed. But because of Christ's loving sacrifice for us, I know that I can put Pat in His hands, knowing that she's safe right now, knowing that I'll see her again one day.
He gives and takes away. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
A life is given, a life is taken. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
At some point in life, we all have to decide to give our loved ones over to Christ. We have to put them in His hands, knowing that He is a merciful God, knowing that He is a good God, knowing that He is a loving God.
We have to trust His will, and trust that He is working everything out for the good. We have to keep living, we have to keep believing, even when everything within you is screaming out in pain.
We have to keep praising, blessed be the name of The LORD!
It's a lesson that I think I'll have to keep relearning as I continue on my journey, because every time something like this happens, it's natural to ask God 'why?'. It's natural to get angry, and wish for a different outcome. But as I get closer to my Jesus, I realize that He is crying right along side me, entering into my pain, and holding me up when I can't. He's walking beside me everyday, holding out His hand, and telling me to put my burden on Him. He's inviting me let go, inviting me to rest, inviting me to peace.
But the question is...will I trust Him enough, to take hold of that peace?
Can I truly say that in giving and taking away, the Name of The LORD shall be praised?
As we enter the Easter Season, I'm reminded of this song. It's always been a favorite of mine, and every yr as I watch the sun rise on Easter morning I imagine what it will look like one day when Jesus comes back, and the Heavens are opened up, and everyone will see His glory. What a beautiful day to look forward to!
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Because He Lives:
"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!"
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Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
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