Party in Heaven

Well, I've had to finally come to a point in my life for which I've tried to prepare myself. But somehow, you can never really prepare yourself for losing a loved one.

My grandfather, Pa, passed away Saturday night around 20:30. His health had deteriorated in the last few months, but he was still getting around every day looking around the farm to make sure everything was just so-so. Wednesday morning he fell out of bed and broke some ribs...plus we learned that he had pneumonia in his right lung. It was just too much for his frail body to handle.

I received the call Saturday morning about his being rushed to the hospital because he was in so much pain. I rushed there to see this strong icon in my life reduced to a frail little man who couldn't speak. He knew who we all were and tried to communicate to us. All he could do was nod his head or shake our hands with affirmation. All day I watched the horror, as his last few hours were so painful...just to breathe, hurting from broken ribs, tired from living such a long life.

As I walked out of the room that evening to catch a breath of fresh air, I grabbed his soft, but leathered hand from all the years of work and looked him in the eye. I said, "Pa, I love you." He looked me in the eye and said "yeah." I knew then that would probably be the last time to communicate our love to each other here on earth.

I prayed that God would ease his pain and take him home to be with Him. Pa had lived such a wonderful life and being selfish at that point would not have been in his best interest. Before he passed, he looked around the room at those who were with him and looked toward Heaven and smiled...as if to say..."Don't you see it...It's beautiful". At that moment, peace came over him and he rested. Drawing his last few breaths with all of us around him, he peacefully left this world to be with Jesus.

Now as I sit here saddened and crying but relieved, I can only imagine the party that he's having with his Lord and Savior. We were planning a 100th party for him in November, but nothing we could have given him would ever compare to the party he's having right now. I can't wait to party with him!

I love you Pa. Thank you for always having that sparkle in your eye when you saw me. Your gentle loving hands to hold me and pat me as you said "I love you Sugie." I will see you soon. Enjoy the party!

Resist the Devil

James 4:7
Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

This verse has come up twice within the last 4 days. I guess God's trying to get His point across to me - He's always there but we must take action on our end too.

It's as easy as giving it all to God and then telling satan to leave you alone. Now that doesn't mean that he's not going to continue to try to tempt and bother you. But you don't have to handle things alone. No matter what the situation you are faced with, give it to God. And when satan tries to tempt you, tell that low down liar to leave you alone. God is always there with a means of escape.

Lord, help me to always remember that you are always watching over me. All I have to do is turn to you and lay everything at your feet. You will always take care of me and any issue I'm faced with. Give me guidance and strength in all situations.

A Childhood Moment

Watch your thoughts; They become words.
Watch your words; They become actions.
Watch your actions; They become habits.
Watch your habits; They become your character.
Watch your character; It becomes your destiny.

I read this quote today, and it was a profound moment for me. I was taken back to my childhood and remembered a simple little song we sang in "Gleaners" (yes COGOP peeps I know I'm dating myself).

"Be careful little eyes what you see...Be careful little ears what you hear...Be careful little hands what you do...For the Father up above is looking down in love..."

When we allow little things to creep up on us, we don't realize the impact it is taking on us until satan has us bound by the things we see, hear, and do. These things can lead to traps that affect our destiny.

My destiny is HEAVEN; therefore, I must guard myself daily with God's word and prayer.


Ephesians 6:10 - 18

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere