11.06.2007

Joy in the Midst of Sorrow


But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
1Thess. 4:13-14

Last night I was privileged to be a part of a special time of remembrance and praise for the life and death of an extraordinary young man. To our minds, he was taken far too soon. But truly, "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

I don’t intend this post to be a tribute to life of this man. Although his life is truly worthy of tribute and remembrance, others have and will do so far more eloquently than I.

Instead I want to comment on the blessing that it is for the saints to come together in times of sorrow. It was a glorious thing to see these young men, tears streaming down their faces, praise our savior for His goodness. What an important gift we give our children when they see weeping with hope. Sorrow with praise. Devastating loss coupled with trust and joy unspeakable.

When we sang "It is Well With My Soul," it was maybe the most beautiful, glorious thing I have ever heard. The power and emotion in that song vibrated the very cup in my hand. Music is a gift to us from our creator, and we are told to praise Him with it. It is always a glorious thing to hear and join in the lifting up our voices to our mighty God. But it is even more glorious when we are with those who have purposed to train their voices to the glory of God. It convicted me that since we are told to praise our God in song; we ought to endeavor to make that song as beautiful as we can. The musical training of my children took on a whole new dimension. We have always stressed that music was to glorify God, but my understanding is fuller and richer now.

Last night was such an encouragement to continue to run the race that is set before me. To finish well. To walk alongside my children; discipling them, praying for them, training them up to be mighty defenders of the faith. Every moment is precious; life is truly but a vapor.

By the grace of God I pray that I will not waste it. That my children will not waste it. That their youth will not be spent in foolish pursuits, but that they will be about their Fathers business all the days of the lives. This young man was not granted many days on this earth. But those days were lived to the fullest; he was about the things of men. His fervent desire was to know his Lord and to serve Him. We need not weep for him; we weep only for ourselves. What a tremendous gift, there is nothing more I want for my children.
updated 10:34 pm to add links to tributes

11.02.2007

Happy Birthday to Me

Today marks the completion of my 40th revolution around the sun. Wow! The earth seems to be moving faster all the time. I'm now officially older than my father :)

Last night I was contemplating God's grace and mercy in my life. I have a wonderful family, health, enough for all of my needs and some of my wants, good friends who walk alongside me and encourage me to righteousness, a husband who love me like Christ loved the church and daily lays down his life for me, and many more too enumerable to list. He is so good who takes an undeserving sinner and restores life and brings joy. There have been hard days, many of them. And joy in the midst. And peace. What a blessing.

The girls made me breakfast this morning. We bought pasteries at Costco yesterday and Sierra made a really good fruit salad to go with them. Hailey set a lovely table using the red glasses and red cystal bowl. I should have taken a picture.

Chance is taking us to dinner tonight. We might go see Bella, I can't decide if it would be good for the children or not.

The only thing missing is Mike. But I will get to seem him next week! All in all, a good day :)

A Contest!

Kim at Life in a Shoe is doing a great give-away just in time for Christmas. $250 worth of Vision Forum merchandise will be given away to 3 lucky providentially selected winners! So, I'm making my wish list and entering the contest, it ends tonight!

The Life and Campaigns of Stonewall Jackson
Christ in the Camp
Seargent York and the Great War
Jamestown Quadricentennial Audio
Southern Lady Doll Dress
Medieval Princess Doll Dress
Providential Battles II
Doll Quilt Kit