Currently Leaving the Light On By Gary Smalley, John Trent see related

This is a hard post to write. My father-in-law is dying and my husband went to be with him today. He requested him to travel there to speak with him "one more time" - wanted to be sure he knew that his father loved him - probably wants to tell him some other things about putting "his house in order". He's not even at his own house. God will show us later, perhaps, why folks did so much work on his house in these last days and he barely had a moment to enjoy it. Looking back, we wished Mom had enjoyed these improvements and that we had done it all sooner. But, really, the improvements made to this little house could in no way come close to the homes in heaven that God has prepared for them! How silly and natural we can be to think they are missing something when they go to be in the presence of their Lord and King! It is us that will be missing them. We won't really understand what we've been missing until we go to join them! I miss my father and wonder if the two will meet when "Pappy" gets there.

I was so afraid of swine flu yesterday. I think at the office we all were, after hearing of the death of that 14 year old boy. Maybe I'm still afraid, but I can't forget that our compassionate God is able to do above all that we can ask or think and that it is He who has ordained our days for us and knows what they will be. It is our loving God who has the power and control over when we live and when we die. This truth is an enormous comfort for all the struggles of this life!

Currently What Matters Most By Cheri Keaggy see related

Please no foxes, wolves or bears,

or copperheads in pairs,

on the path,

the path that is woodsy and shady and cool.

I'm so tired, but I can't sleep - not yet. I wish I knew what was going to happen in the next few days. I don't even know what to wear tomorrow. There's so much to do, but I don't want to do it. I want to do the things that don't have to be done. Why are they more fun?

I can't believe how strange people are being about the death of Michael Jackson. I swear people's own personal loved ones have passed on with less concern. If you say anything uncomplimentary about him, people try to mock you and leave you in open shame. It's embarrassing to me. If you say something nice about him (try that - it IS difficult) then people are ready to cry and swoon and "let you in". My concern is where is he now? According to his lifestyle as reported in the recent future, it doesn't look good. What did he do with all his money and fame? Isn't it kind of strange that he built a play land for himself and his "friends". Do you really think that many young boys were just making up their "relationships" with him? Was he really the kind of person to honor and fuss so about? I do think all the deaths that are a possible result of too much medication, and deaths that could have and perhaps should have been avoided are tragic, but what is so great about him (or Elvis for that matter)? Worship the One True God - no one else should have that place in your life! His name is Jesus Christ and he died for your sins and then came alive! He is alive again! He is returning for those who love Him! Now, that's someone to get excited about! I am sorry for the family of Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, & Ed McMahon.

Currently The Vision of His Glory [VISION OF HIS GLORY] By Anne Graham(Author) Lotz see related

Home Again

ello xanga readers, the few and the brave :)

I took vacation time from work. It is such a joy to have a break and get paid for it! My husband and I went down to South Carolina to help pack up our daughter from college for the summer. We went onto Georgia to stay a few days and rest and visit friends, then back up to Holden Beach, NC. The weather was changeable, but the sand and the ocean were delightful! It was my first time renting a house on the beach and it was great! Our particular home exceeded my expectations and proved to be a comfortable, well stocked place to live in for a week. There were seven of us and all got along so well and enjoyed each other, but also managed to get some needed alone time or various couple outings. I do believe that the men were inspired to do some creating - song writing, video making, home improvement building planning and such things. Us ladies got to relax and have some fun in the sun with a little bit of shopping. I like beachy souvenirs 'cause they are fun and cheap (ha ha - usually) but bring warm memories of vacation days when worn or used later at home.

I would recommend Holden Beach wholeheartedly to those who love the ocean and want a getaway, but not for those who get bored easily unless you don't mind taking an hour drive into Myrtle Beach for the festivities there. I personally was glad to avoid those.

If you take the time to read a post this long, I will add for you that even unpleasant memories from days gone by can become a good lesson learned, if you extract from those a thing or two that was good and be brave enough to implement them, as well as making changes that are an improvement - not repeating the same errors and getting the same results.

A few of us were able to break up half the trip home to join old friends and celebrate with them the first wedding in their family. My husband was helpful in that he preached for his friend the next day to give him that much needed pulpit time off, and we all had lunch together (minus the bride and groom of course) :) before heading back to our home in West Virginia.

Is it good to be home? I don't know yet, 'cause I had to work yesterday and it was extremely  busy and I was overly tired! Ask me after I've had today off.