Dream Destination: Happily-Ever-After

A few years ago in a magazine interview I was asked what my dream destination was? The answer was easy: "To walk my daughter down the aisle to be married someday." Today was that someday. I have been blessed beyond measure.

"Happily-ever-after to our only darling daughter, Allison, and to her beloved husband, Joshua!"

I was blessed to write their marriage vows... yes, I cried, of course, I cried... glad tears...

Humbled.... speechless...
Grateful

Going Home

Yes, it really is 2:51 a.m. as I write this particular blog post. I just returned home a while ago after being with a dear husband whose wife passed away tonight. After fifty years of marriage, he had to watch the funeral director roll the body of his beloved sweetheart out the front door of their home never to return again. Indeed, it is heart-wrenching to witness.

Before I left, I was honored to pray a prayer of comfort and assurance with the family and friends gathered to begin their grieving process. The precious wife and mother was trusting the Lord for Eternal Life, so gladness was mingled beautifully with their grief. Actually, the husband said, "Don't take me wrong, pastor, but I am actually relieved that her suffering is over." It was a clear declaration of his true compassion for his beloved.

While we have not yet entered the details of the home-going celebration service, the husband did say what song must be sung. Yes, that old hymn of the church titled "Going Home." It was his wife's favorite.

Take a listen to the song posted below and as you do breathe a prayer for my dear friends as they await reunion in Heaven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ8sQfzuZnE&feature=related

We do not grieve as those who have no hope. -- 1 Thess. 4:13
Grateful

Let the Beloved of the Lord Rest...

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him,
for He shields Him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.”
-- Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)

Holiness Unto the LORD!
Grateful

Make Me Thine Forever

My friend, Jim, introduced me a few years ago to a very old hymn of the church titled O Sacred Head Now Wounded. The lyrics point beautifully to our Beloved Jesus and the indescribable way He Loved us until death.

The final words of that tried-and-true tune have been on my mind for much of this week:

Lord, make me Thine forever,
And should I fainting be?
Lord, let me never ever,
Outlive my love for Thee!

My Jesus, I love You so much, because You first Loved me... TOO MUCH!
Grateful

Mercies For Miseries

Lord, thank You for the glorious exchange -- Your new and never-ending mercies for my old and temporary miseries. In Your Name, my Beloved Jesus, I am speechless with gratitude. Amen.

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.
-- Lamentations 3:23 (NIV)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

"Consecration" Simply Defined...

The word "consecration" may most simply be defined in this four-word declaration of devotion: "I am my Beloved's!"

Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?
-- 1 Chronicles 29:5b (NKJV)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful