THE SHACK

I just finished reading the novel, The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. It is a spiritual book, one I will be recommending to many. The story starts with one family’s sadness. Because of it, there is a learning how God is with us at all times, not against us, when something terrible happens. The father in the story is in anger, which anyone of us would be, if we experienced a similar tragedy. Taking on human images, God, His Son and the Holy Spirit go through the process of talking to the father, all taking place at a mountain shack, close to the place where the sadness began.

This is a beautifully written book. I read it in two days, not wanting to stop. One feels as if God is actually speaking.  In a way He is, using the author to have His words expressed. It makes sense in all that is said, in this 248 page book. I was surprised to see it had this many pages when I put the book down, as it seemed less than 100, with one page flowing to the next. I sound as if I am writing a review for the author. It is more I am writing a review of how wonderful God is, even in times of terror and agony. It helps me understand what those who have passed away unexpectedly are saying to us, and gives the reason for forgiveness so one may continue a wondrous life with God.  It is written in ‘down to earth’ terminology  on what we are to do and how it can help those left behind.

I just finished it, but I would not mind picking it up and reading it again, right at this very moment.  There are endless words of wisdom told to the father of the story, ones we can easily and readily apply in our own lives.

It is a book apropos to this very day, Good Friday. Here is an innocent person, Jesus Christ, going through agony, ridicule, betrayal, torture and death. Jesus prays for forgiveness of those who tormented Him.  We wonder how He could do this. Yet, it is explained with such tenderness, love and beauty in this book. It makes me love Christ more than I already do. For those who know me, you are aware how much I love our God. What a huge impact this simple book can leave on the soul.

As I read the book, I could feel my cheeks begin to feel a bit sensitive; it was because I was smiling all the while because of the words written.  I feel myself still smiling at this very moment! You will think of those you love, having much more acceptance of all of God’s children, no matter where they are in their lives, whether good or evil.

The Shack has a website, http://www.theshack.com, where you can read a few excerpts from the book. This is a different kind of blog I have written today.  But, oh, what a difference this read can make in your life.  You will not forget it. You will look at life, nature and everything in between in a whole new way.

God Bless all of you, as we feel the passion of Christ today, praising his love, acceptance and forgiveness for all.  We thank our Lord for His abundance of caring, ever-so bountiful kindness and gentleness. We proclaim our love for Him, as He fulfills our spirit and souls with his Spirit, making us face whatever is given to us, no matter how hard it is. We understand that being divine, He is with us wherever we are. We cannot shield ourselves from Him.  He will find us, because of His love for us, never wanting us to face anything alone. We are part of His grace. How joyous it is!

HAPPINESS-with typos corrected!

Happiness is having God in our hearts.
Happiness is feeling God's happiness in our hearts.

Happiness is finding the soul-mate God planned for us.
Happiness is making a life-long commitment with this soul-mate.

Happiness is having soul-mates create an extension of themselves.
Happiness is watching these little beings develop their own gifts from God.

Happiness is having a toddler, not talking yet, taking my hand, to show me a ladybug.
Happiness is that though this tiny child cannot talk yet, can speak volumes within the silence.

Happiness is seeing the glistening dew as the sun rises.
Happiness is looking at the oranges and yellows cast upon the land as the sun sets.

Happiness is running into an old friend.
Happiness is having long conversations with this old friend, reminiscing about the past,
While also talking about what has happened since then.

Happiness is making a new friend.
Happiness is laughing, talking, and crying, with the new friend.

Happiness is stepping outside to get the morning newspaper, hearing the singing of birds,
After a long, long winter.
Happiness is watching the birds come to bird feeders, arriving in-mass,
To enjoy a meal.

Happiness is having a beautiful garden, filled with flowers of every kind and color.
Happiness is knowing my spouse will be the one to pull the weeds in the garden,
along with tending to every care and need.

Happiness is having my first words uttered each morning be,
“Good morning, God!”
Happiness is having my last words uttered each night be,
 “Good night, God!  Thank you for another day!”

Happiness is listening to the music I love.
Happiness is feeling how the music reaches deep into my soul.

Happiness is seeing my child smiling on stage,
Performing in front of an audience.
Happiness is having the emotions flow
As I watch my child.

Happiness is seeing the silhouettes of distant mountains,
Admiring in awe their massiveness.
Happiness is reaching the base of the mountains,
Feeling the earth under my feet.

Happiness is hearing the crickets chirp,
A sound of summer.
Happiness is that hearing how many chirps there are in 30 seconds, and adding 15 to it,
I will know what the temperature is at that moment.

Happiness is loving the beautiful shade trees of summer.
Happiness is sitting under those trees, having a delicious picnic.

Happiness is reading a good book.
Happiness is remembering what made the book special many years later.

Happiness is lending out a good book to a friend.
Happiness is hearing the friend share the same excitement as I had while reading it.

Happiness is being with the grandparents.
Happiness is listening to their stories of their younger years.

Happiness is a blue, blue sky.
Happiness is admiring the majestic clouds,
Sitting magnificently in the sky.

Happiness is having a good work-out.
Happiness is being glad when the work-out time is over.

Happiness is winning a competition.
Happiness is seeing how all those practices paid off.

Happiness is viewing the vast ocean and the beauty of it,
Casting off rays of greens and blues.
Happiness is sitting on the soft beach sand,
Hearing the waves splash, the cold water reaching my feet as I daydream.

Happiness is having a delightful conversation with God.
Happiness is hearing what God has to say to me during our dialogue.

Happiness is knowing God never leaves me alone,
Happiness is knowing God always helps me carry my burdens.

Happiness is being given a challenge to stretch my mind, body and soul.
Happiness is accomplishing the challenges I was given,
Recognizing God had a hand in it.

Happiness is playing a board game with family.
Happiness is enjoying the laughter and conversation
As the game is played, bringing everyone close together.

Happiness is seeing the golden leaves of fall.
Happiness is hearing the giggle of children,
As they are covered with fallen leaves.

Happiness is noticing a flowing mountain river.
Happiness is sitting on a rock in the middle of the river,
Writing a letter to a loved one.

Happiness is watching the snow fall.
Happiness is loving the wintry scene only God could give us.

Happiness is knowing all that makes me happy are gifts from God.
Happiness is praising God, thanking Him for the wonderful life He provides for all.

ONE MORE

I do get phone calls, asking if I will help another child or teen to get up to speed, concerning what is behind our faith.  I never tire of these calls. Rather, I get excited, willingly ready to bring one more to the faith. I have found that I really do not bring only that one closer to God, I bring in the family. This has not my intention, yet I find what I say is then shared with others.  What a bonus from God!

Teaching about my faith is my passion. We all have passions. It may be the art of cooking, an art of helping another understand algebra, or an art of getting others involved in community service. I am blessed with the art of rhetoric, in the subject matter of how important God is in every moment of our lives. The more I understand about God, the more I want to share my knowledge with others. I go beyond the miracles of God, saying how we can have Him actively in our everyday lives.

I have been awed in how He has helped me; now I must awe others, through the Word  of God. It is fascinating to see how He is there, though we do not t expect Him to be. As I share my thoughts with others, it can bring an ‘aha!’ moment, or a smile on the face. All of us need a tap on the shoulder, telling us how God is there, even though we are not thinking about it at that specific moment.

All of us need to go beyond ourselves, seeing how we can help our brethren. Feel the touch of God, and reach out to others, through our words and through our actions. After all, we are to live our lives in the image of God. Take these words seriously.  Think about each thought, word or action taken. Is this how God wants us to deliver the message? Sometimes, we might catch ourselves, realizing what we are doing is really is not the way God wants us to be.  At these moments, we can only smile, asking God for forgiveness. If He sees our sincerity, we will be absolved, but we must continue on, living in the way God prefers.

I may be giving words of kindness to a nine year old, a 16 year old or someone who is 60. I never look at what I share as my words. They are what God has asked me to say. He continually talks to me, communicating His thoughts through me.  It is a privilege to share His Words. He has given me a gift, to make what He has to say to be of interest to others, to brighten their eyes, wanting them to spark an interest, excited to learn more.

I am not the only one with this gift.  Each person reading this has the same present. We have to do what God wants, not being timid to share His love for everyone. It is not always easy.  But, feel the strength of God, who is with us, no matter the second, minute, or hour of the day!!

CHANGES

There are different ways to respond to change. If it is a change of the seasons, there can be excitement, looking forward to what that particular season will bring. A change in careers might also bring excitement, or it may set the nerves stirring, unsure of if the new work environment will be a happy one .
If a member of a family passes away, there is another form of change. A void is there, one that is irreplaceable. Learning how to carry on without the loved one can cause considerable change in someone’s life. With the passing of an individual, there may also be changes for friends, classmates and coworkers. It can mean new seating arrangements, a change in the work distribution, and the possibility of a newly assigned workspace. Most importantly, emotions are strong, with changes happening in the lives of those left behind. My own daughter changed her college goals after the death of a friend this past summer, because of a drunk driver hitting her car, killing three other friends with her. Instead of going into her passion of singing, wanting to become involved in opera, she changed her major to social work, wanting to help any teen going through a struggle after losing a friend.
This leads into another change. Because of a change in her college major, she could change the lives of future teens after the death of a dear friend. God intervened here, we do believe, to have her reach out to others in a different way than previously planned. As parents, we have also changed, excited before about a career in opera, now emotional and proud of her, turning to a life of service.
Changes continue. However, at times, the change is not accepted very well. How many times do we enter a meeting, commuter train or bus, always taking the same placement at the table or the same chair in a specific row of seats, only to find someone new there, sitting in OUR SPOT! We are not happy about this. Just who do they think they are? After the meeting, there is still talk. How can someone take precedence when it is MY seat! It can throw off the whole day! I will just have to give a GLARE to this person…as if the person could understand the purpose of this look of anger!
One of the places where the blood pressure rises if ‘our seat’ is taken is at church. How funny it is, to think this is where we can we get quite emotional. Instead of welcoming the newcomer, we look at them with disdain. Here we are, in the house of God, being angry with our brethren, all over a seat! I would love to see the look on God’s face as we make our own faces and react through our words of demise, of not getting to sit where we always do. It can ruin the whole service. Everything looks different, including the people surrounding us. How can we make it through the hour? A shifting of the legs, arms folded across our chests, shows how unacceptable it is to have to make a move.
Rather, we should be glad to meet the people surrounding our new seats, enjoying the different ‘scenery.’ We might be surprised how the change can be good for us. In change, we can be refreshed, looking at something new. It is not the ‘same ol,’ ‘same ol,’ where we can almost forget where we are. With the change, we can observe things we had not noticed before, possibly something that could change our lives. Meeting a new ‘seatmate’ could lead to a new friendship. Instead of looking at it with such negativity, it is good to see the positive side of this change. It might even mean one would like to return once again to the new seat. Let the newcomers keep the previous, permanent spot. Enjoy the new surroundings. Of course, this may mean we have taken the spot of other ‘permanent residents!’ We can look at the other with a smile, reaching out our hands in greeting, or acknowledging with a nod as we show happiness on our faces. Another change is now occurring, as they find a new place to sit. Change can be good. It keeps the body going, giving a dose of refreshment, visiting God in a completely new light!
At the next meeting, class or church service you attend, think about taking a new seat. It is not good to get stuck in a rut. How can we grow if we stay in this rut? Take a different route to work this week! Sit at a different place at the table. Seriously think about sitting at a different place while at a church service! You can start just by moving a seat forward from where you usually are. Do not worry about what others will think. Think about yourself, how you want to be renewed! Others will be renewed, as you make the change to sit elsewhere and so must they. Imagine God’s smile as you decide to get to know Him through a different view! There is nothing like envisaging a smile from God!

TEA

I love to sip a cup of tea. It is most relaxing. I start my day with a cup of Irish Breakfast tea, using loose tea placed in a small , empty tea bag, made for such a purpose. Mid-morning, I might go for the Earl Grey tea, finding it soothing as I work on a hobby, read or plan a lesson. It can raise my spirits, leaving me calm and good -natured, getting my creative juices flowing.
Remaining in high spirits, it is time to tackle the laundry, clean up the kitchen and perform other mundane household duties. I usually have the house in silence as I work, taking this time to say prayers for those going through rough times and to have my conversations with God. My conversations are as if I was talking to my best friend, which in a way, I am! I may be expressing gratitude for the previous day’s activities, or telling Him how I will need to come up with the right words to use while teaching a class for my Church.
Time goes quickly by. After my lunch, I may finish it off with a cup of red bush tea. This gives me energy to start my afternoon plans. I will likely be venturing out to the Church, to facilitate an adult group of students, sharing what I have learned with them. Often, I bring my thermos cup of brown rice tea with me, to keep my voice from getting hoarse, while at the same time, giving me a bit of nourishment to remain at my high level of excitement as I teach.
The rest of the day zooms by. It may consist of working with one more religious ed. student out of my home, a child unable to make it to Church classes. I offer a cup of peppermint tea to my young lady, while I have apple cinnamon tea. We wrap our hands around our mugs, sipping them as we discuss together different Bible stories, curled up on the couch, facing one another as we converse.
Tea is something I would offer to all my groups of students while I was still teaching full time. They loved it, sipping green tea with honey as I taught. Some had never seen a teabag before, ripping it open to pour into their cups. They quickly learned from their peers how to use the teabag properly. These same young people came to visit me, years after they were in my class, asking for a cup of tea while we visited. What a nice way to reconnect, making a pause in a busy life, to sit and enjoy the company of another.
We tend to forget about the simple things in life, such as enjoying that cup of tea. God wants us to nourish our bodies and our souls, rather than rushing around so. It does not take long to enjoy a cup, but it can bring a long-lasting effect upon one. Others feel the calmness, responding in the same way, letting the tenseness leave the shoulders and neck. This calmness can be passed on to the next individual, and so forth. It is the way God’s world should be, rather than getting angry because of the slow driver in front of us, or the person who takes forever to write a check and post it in the ledger before allowing us to reach the clerk at the counter. Even picturing that cup of tea in a time of tenseness can let the anxiety dissipate.
Spoil yourself. It is actually okay! Go find a favorite mug and purchase some fun flavors of tea. Grab a relaxing book, take off the shoes, cozy up on the couch, sip your tea and enjoy the moment! It is just what God has ordered!

MY LIST

Several years ago, a friend shared with me what her son does when he says he will pray for another. He writes down the name of the person. What a splendid idea, I told her. Since then, I have done the same. I write the names in my prayer journal, not allowing me to lose my list. Someone I know may pass me on the sidewalk, asking me to pray for a daughter, son, parent or friend. I immediately ask the name of this loved one, writing it down. Later, as I run into the individual making the request, I can ask how this person is doing, addressing the individual by name. I usually get a look of surprise, that not only am I remembering the request, but also that I recall the person’s name within the request.
My prayer list grows continually. At times, I may add the name of the same person twice. One month, it may be for a particular reason, while several months later, it is for something completely different. I never let go of the previous names on the list; I figure the more prayers someone has, the more one may be blessed!
All of us say to another, “You’ll be in my prayers.” We go home, having a distant vision in our memory, of someone asking us for an extra prayer. It is easy to say, “God, pray for all of those people asking for an extra prayer.” Imagine how nice it is, to address these people by name! It allows me extra time to contemplate how special each of God’s creations is. At times, it is especially sad, knowing I am praying for a deceased member of the said family, such as a young teenager after having an unexpected illness, for a parent, or for someone going through the wraths of cancer.
Other times, I add names on my own. I will write individuals on my list, hearing of a trip they are about to take, an illness or the passing of someone dear to the family. Little do they know I have written down their names, thinking about them and asking God to help them carry their burdens, sadness and joys. Recently, I ran into someone whom I knew had been going through a hard time. I asked how she was doing, truly interested in the heavy loads she is carrying. In today’s busy world, it is easy to put everyone under one umbrella, rather than thinking of them as individuals with single concerns. Though she was rushed, she stopped to talk, as she was not used to someone showing interest in her sorrows.
It enlightened me, seeing how much it means to others, to show a personal interest in the concerns of another. My writing of the names is not for me; it is for those who are calling out extra prayers to God, in times of need. Think about writing down those names. You will see how much you grow in your words to God! You may be helping those in need more than you will ever know!

BJ

I continue to write about what a young person has said to me. My only wish is that I had kept a journal through all my years of teaching, on what they taught me through their innocent words. This time, I am telling you about BJ.
BJ was my quiet fifth grader. It was my third year to have him, in a low-level class I instructed. He was like a teddy bear, with a sweet face, a bit overweight, a child who never got excited about anything. His temperament was gentle, always speaking in the same, rather monotonous, voice.
He was in a class of eight boys. If you know boys, you are aware of them not being able to sit still for too long. They like to be active, releasing their never-ending energy. But not BJ. He was content, observing his classmates, as they participated with excitement in my planned activities. Because I had had the same eight boys for three years, we were like family, not hesitant to say anything in a dialogue. Sweet BJ would take it all in, but rarely wanted to join us in our discourses. During our fun and stimulating discussions, with the boys calling out answers to my questions, BJ would not say a word. Once, I went over to him, going through some motions as if I was playing charades, and asked him if he could figure out what I was attempting to say. He could not. I had pretended to light a match, placing it under his desk. I said I was trying to light a fire under him to make him become alive. Knowing my sense of humor, he and the other boys gave me a big grin. The fire quickly went out. That was okay, as BJ made me have a grin, being just himself.
To see if my students have retained what I have taught, I throw a beanbag to one of them, asking a question as I toss it. They are to answer the question once they have the beanbag in their hands. This is what I was doing one afternoon, after having an extensive unit on the journey of Lewis and Clark. We had spent weeks learning about their two-year expedition, with many exciting activities completed. The boys had great retention of their travels between 1804 and 1806.
Throwing the beanbag to BJ, I asked him to tell me when Lewis and Clark returned from their journey. For several seconds, he was pondering upon the question, his eyes telling me he was searching for the answer in his mind. Ah, a reply suddenly came to him. He announced, “About eight o’clock!”
Once again, BJ made me grin! What could I say? Maybe they did return at that time. What a precious answer! I did tell him that they might have returned around eight, but it was not quite the answer I was looking for.
What is great is that BJ never tried to be anything else but himself. It is the way God wanted him to be. So often, people try to be like another being, hoping they will fit in better to the norm of society. However, this is not what God wants. He gave each of us a special gift, placing it in our souls at the moment of conception. It is up to us to open this gift and share it with all. BJ did a beautiful job of sharing his gift. He brought smiles to many, using his spirit in the way God planned.

THE MESSAGE BEHIND THE STORY

This is the time of year where we hear the story of the prodigal son. It is a well-known parable, giving us a powerful message. There are family involved, actions of the family, and reactions to actions taken. It was only within the last five years that I looked up the word ‘prodigal’ in the dictionary. All along, I have to admit, I thought the word had meant something along the line of a wandering person, wanting to spread one’s wings. I was surprised to see it meant someone who spent lavishly and extravagantly. I have shared this definition with both the young and old. Many are surprised to find out the true definition, all thinking as I did in terminology. Learning the meaning adds to the dimension of the story.
We have one brother who stays home, doing all of the duties formerly shared by both siblings. He does just what his father asks, obeying him in every sense of the word. In the meantime, we have the other brother who could not care less about helping his father, out having a good time, spending the money, which was to be his after his father passed away.
However, the money runs out and suddenly it is not fun anymore. The only path to take now is the one that will take him home. He likely does a great deal of thinking during his journey, being ashamed for his actions. He has hurt his father, made his brother do all the tremendous work involved in keeping a property in good shape, and spent money that actually was not rightfully his until after the death of his dad. Oh, how his head must be hanging low!
To top it off, the father can only stare out at the vast land, hoping that someday his son will return. He cannot help the other son work the land, as he is too forlorn at the loss of his child, wondering if he will ever come back home. Granted, he did give the inheritance to him early. Maybe he thought he would spend the money wisely, making him proud, trusting him to do so.
Alas! He is there in the horizon, only a tiny figure, slowly walking, almost home to make amends with his father and brother. “Dad” gets excited, telling his staff to get ready for a big celebration for this lost soul. Wait a minute! What about the son at home, serving him all this time? As one student said to me, “What a rip off!”
After prayer and conversing with God, I began to understand more fully what was going on here. While one son did all the motions of being a good son, never pausing to question all of his assigned duties in honoring his father, the other son returned going through the Emotions to care rightfully for his parent. He was willing to become a servant, if that is what it would take.
His father was ready to forgive, wanting him to wear the shoes and robe of a family member, not be barefooted as the servants were. He was welcomed back into the family, forgiven for his past actions.
One message here is that all of us need to take a step back and think if we are going through just the motions when we are there for another, or are we putting our emotions into what we do, nourishing our actions with love and care. What a difference it can make! The recipient can feel the love, rather than feeling only a void, duties taking on mechanical movements.
Another message also comes forth, that of forgiving instead of holding a grudge. No matter how awful another has been, we need to let go of the anger the loved one has caused us. This is what God wants us to do, accepting the apology on one another. Someday, we may be the ones asking for forgiveness. Imagine your remorse, yet the other party only continuing to turn his back on you.
God would never turn His back on any of us, nor should we do so to others. No matter how bad it is, God will forgive. He does want us to repent. He knows when we are sorry. His love will grow stronger within one. There is a lightness upon the shoulders as forgiveness is given and accepted. In its place is character, wisdom, love and a new strength within our spiritual souls to live our lives in the image of God.

JESUS AND THE CLOCK

I have mentioned Brian before, age three, in my writings. I cannot imagine him ever not being able to talk. He has been verbal, talking in full sentences, forever! I never tire of what he has to say to me. During several of our many conversations, he excitedly pointed to the clock, telling me Jesus was in there. He persevered for several weeks, saying how Jesus was behind those hour and minute hands. I could not figure out what where he got this idea, but I went along, saying how nice that was.
Remaining puzzled, I did wonder what he meant. Questioning him brought no answers. Nonetheless, I was happy he was still telling me about Jesus. It is never too young for a little one to begin a love for Him. Usually, I do not get a chance to visit with his mother, but one day, she happened to mention to me that she had been trying to tell Brian how Jesus was wrapped in a cloth after He died, but he kept thinking his mommy was talking about a clock!
Now it all made sense! I laughed, telling her how often he had told me about Jesus being in the clock. She did not need to be embarrassed; it was nice to see an innocent wee one, wanting to share his perceptions with me.
Brian’s little sister, Marie, has recently joined us in our conversations. She is two, no bigger than a minute. She has the same enthusiasm as he does. One time, she yelled, “Bye, Jesus!,” giving a wave as we left the small chapel where we had been.
Sometimes, instead of looking into all the books written and all the lectures attended, we can learn the most from children. They speak from the heart and from the souls God has given each of them. Nothing blocks their paths; they say it as they see it.
We can inhale a breath, absorbing this innocence, learning from their words of wisdom. Think about it. How often can we quickly quote what a child says before the words of an authoritarian? Yes, I often refer to my books for important quotes, but in the front of my mind, I have a picture of small human beings, enhancing me with captivating words.
In the meantime, every time I see a clock, I envision Jesus in there, looking out at me, as each minute ticks away!

HOPING

Spring isn't quite ready to arrive in Santa Fe. It did warm up to 44 degrees today, but we have a couple of months to go before our trees and gardens come to life. However, it doesn't mean I can't enjoy some of those blossoms a bit early. I will clip a few offshoots from the apple tree and forsythia bush, bringing them into the house. Placing them into a vase of water, I will get to see them blossom, bringing a lovely color and fragrance into our home. It is a nice way to keep the spirits up, while the dreary weather lingers on. It leaves us with a sense of hope, of what is to come.
Hope is just what Christ wants us to have. I always think of Job and all he went through. There was one struggle or tragedy after another, but he continued to hope for better things to come. It took awhile, but because of his faith, never giving up, life did get better. The Psalms tell us of having hope in God, aiding us in good times and in bad. Psalm 31:24 tells us, “Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord.” There is even the funny proverb, Proverbs 29:20, “There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”
I love Romans 5:3-5, “We rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us.” Paul gives us an important message in Acts 23:6, “...Fellow Israelites ! I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. I am on trial here because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to life!” How apropos, knowing that at the end of our Lenten season, our sorrow will turn to joy, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.
The Bible uses the word 'hope' about 150 times. It has a powerful meaning, reminding us to always keep our faith, knowing that if God is in our lives, there is always hope.

YESTERDAY

After writing yesterday’s blog, I received more responses than I ever have. It shows what the concept of death does to us. I thank everyone who sent me a note, as it helps me grow in my own spirituality.
Yes, we all know that death is part of life, and we understand how we will spend eternity with God. Yet, it does not undermine that we all hate to see a life end. My 94 year old mother is having a hard time, knowing the number of years ahead of her are limited. A dear cousin of mine said for me not to take how she reacts personally to current events. She is angry knowing the years ahead of her are few. I appreciate this note of wisdom. What a thought, to comprehend that there cannot be that many years left when one reaches her age.
My great aunt lived to be 106. She continues to be an inspiration to me, showing how a strong will, with her mentality intact, can have a long life. But, the quality of her life had ended; she could only talk, in a quiet voice, stretched out on the couch. Before, she was a vibrant woman. She was out milking the cows, canning food, and making a huge dinner in the middle of the day for her sons, who came in from the workings of the ranch to get a good meal, before they went out to work until sunset. She taught me how to make taffy, at the age of 16. I remember how my cousin, at the same age, went over to answer the phone, in the middle of the taffy making process. The ingredients had him holding one hand out, with the substance ready to go through a ‘twisting.’ He couldn’t do it, since he was on the phone. Great Aunt Mary ran across the kitchen, to fold over this dripping mess in his hands. She didn’t say a word; of course, she did let out a little sound of exasperation, but she never uttered a word of frustration.
I still have a photo of Great Aunt Mary on my refrigerator door. She is such an image of inspiration. The family recognized her as a blood relative, rather than marrying into the family. All of us saw her as reminding ourselves that this is what family is all about. She never complained. She instead took on the role of wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend.
Though she has moved on to her eternal life, she is an example of what life is like now, and how it will be when we leave this world. No, none of us wish to leave those we love. We want to see them be in our lives forever. But, they will be in our eternal lives. We are sad they cannot be with us, as we witness celebrations and hallmarks in our lives. But, though we cannot hug them as we go through these special times, they are witnessing from above. Later in life, we will get to touch them and hold them in our lives once again. It is something hard to perceive right now in our current lives, but it will truly happen. God never disappoints us.
Stay in constant prayer with God. Never forget to talk to those who have gone before us. All of them can read our thoughts; it is part of the joy of being in Heaven. It is those heavenly creatures who bestow upon us little happenings, making our lives be a bit less hectic or a bit less painful. I remember the morning of the day I was to have a spinal tap. My father had passed away, but paid me a visit that morning, in a vision. I saw features on him that I forgotten, such as the gold tooth when he smiled. He told me not to worry, that he would be with me throughout the tap. Knowing this, I smiled throughout this procedure, as he was with me. What a difference it made. Imagine how horrific it had been if I didn’t know he was there the whole time!
Not everyone gets to have a vision; but it doesn’t mean the loved one is not there. Yes, through every incident, whether it is happy or sad, our loved ones are there, to cheer us on. This is what God wants, to have those special angels, alongside our guardian angels, to protect us. God has stated we are never alone, and He means it. Always, there is the presence of those who have passed on. Remember, they have passed on from this life, but they are continuing to live, under the glorious kingdom of God!

AN ACCEPTANCE

No matter when death happens, we do not expect it. It may be sudden, or it may be a loved one, being ill over a period of time. Whenever it is, it is hard to accept. Someone we have loved, cared for, whom we have laughed with, talked with, and shared a hug, is no longer there. So often, the first question is to ask God why. Why did you do this, God? Why did you let this happen? Why did you let this person suffer? This is the hardest thing to grasp; the next hardest thing is realizing God didn't cause the suffering, the illness, nor the sudden death. He gave us choices to make, while others were done to human error, and still others due to the chemistry of the body, a mix-up of the make-up.. God would not impose suffering upon anyone; that was taken care of when he offered His Son so the rest of us, for all of the generations to come. God created all of us, but to decide on the genetics of everyone is not up to Him. He may have others suffer more than our brethren, but He may have felt these are the ones who can inspire all of us, to continue to give all we have in order to survive. These are the ones to whom He has a special connection. If this other person go through a hardship, then so can the next. Showing a positive, strong attitude is a definite attribute to survival. Even those who pass away during the suffering leave an impact for those left behind. His Son may have died, but once in awhile, He needs to send a reminder to us how we must live our lives. He doesn't pick anyone to go through an early death, He picks those special few to whom He feels can leave an impact upon many. As years go by, we still do not forget those who left life before their time. But, we must continue to remember it is because God chose them, to leave their mark, affecting a multitude of plenty. We recall, through them, never to take life for granted. Sometimes, it is easy to forget the role of God and the good life He gives us. By selecting a certain few, the message is once again delivered that all of us are gifts from God. Without those giving their lives, we can tend to forget the wonders of our mighty Lord. How glorious He will make the lives of those who suffered, so the rest of us may have a better life!

It is hard for those whom are left behind. It is out of order, to have someone young pass away, or a child before the parents. It does not matter if the child is now an adult; this person is still passing away before the individual's time. It is the time to ask God to give comfort to the family, to the friends and to welcome the loved one into Heaven. Ask that there will no longer be pain, nor suffering, nor a sadness among the deceased. It is very, very hard for those left behind. As the loved ones continue to try and go on with life, it is a time to remember that the one whom has passed away is now in a peace we cannot describe until we are there to join our endearing person. It may take years to begin to envelop this peace. Let all of us pray for those going through such a catastrophic process. We are to never judge those continuing in their sorrow. We are only to pray for their wellness, that they one day feel the peace their loved one feels, now living an eternal life with God.