Our Daddy: In Heaven

As the 4th watch of the night was just ten minutes away, yes at approximately 2:50 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2014, The Old Ship of Zion picked up our Daddy, Capt. Billy, and transported him to Heaven. 

At daylight when we left the Hospice House, double rainbows formed for about ten seconds after a gentle sun-lit rain. Our loss is Heaven's gain. 

Godspeed Daddy. We will come to you one day. You showed us that Jesus is our Way. 

Grateful 

The Answer = Jesus

In spite of his season of physical suffering, my Dad, Capt. Billy, is having one of his better days today. We shared a wonderful time of witnessing to one another on the phone this morning. We cried beautiful long-distance tears. Even Mom joined in. It was such a glorious season of stillness for our souls.

Dad said, "Kerry, I can't get that song, 'Jesus is the Answer', off my mind. You should get on that YouTube thing you have, find it, and listen to it."

Well, I will honor my Dad's request even now. Here's the link to Andre Crouch's classic song:

Click here: Andre Crouch--Jesus is the answer - YouTube

Indeed, "Jesus is the Answer. Now what was the question?"

Grateful

Heavenly Bells, Hidden Manna, White Stones & New Names

Today, my Dad, Capt. Billy, has an appointment at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. He goes to get the latest opinion on the recurrence of cancer in his back and left elbow and to get future treatment options.

In talking with Dad last evening he said: "I am not discouraged, quite the opposite. I am encouraged. I am going to witness to new people about my Lord."

Dad then shared an experience he had yesterday as he was sharing and praying on the phone with Rev. Clark Langford, age 80, who lives in Virginia. Dad said: "Kerry, as Brother Langford was praying for me, all of a sudden, I began to hear the most beautiful bells ringing I have ever heard. I am sure it was the bells of Heaven and as I listened I was so very encouraged."

Well, there you have it. My Dad is hearing the bells of Heaven. 

This morning Revelation 2:17 so inspired my heart about the eventual end of our journey Home:

“Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. I will also give each person a white stone with a new name written on it, a name that is known only to the person who receives it.” (GWT)

Let's win the victory, and be..

...Grateful 

Steadfast Faith That is Anchored

As I am on sabbatical with about three weeks remaining, many of you know my Dad, Capt. Billy, has been completing a round of radiation for recurring cancer.

Dad is feeling new strength and has a great appetite. Last evening he told me he enjoyed the best meal perhaps of his life, as Mom cooked Stewed Carolina Blue Crabs for their supper.

On Tuesday, September 23, Dad goes to UNC Medical Center to get options for his future treatment. His inspiring comments on that upcoming visit were: "Nevertheless, I will not worry!" Some people wilt spiritually when suffering comes, but my Dad -- through His trust in our Almighty, Personal, and Very Present Holy God -- has gloried in it all. It's been amazing to witness.

A dear church board member, Debbie, sent me this message recently. It so touched my heart that I asked her if I could share a portion of her message to me with all of you on my blog. She agreed. Listen in:

Dear Pastor Kerry:

I sent these words from my devotion in a card to your Dad the other day and I thought I would share them with you. Praying they will be an encouragement to you.

"God enjoys our faith in any season in life, but the trust we display in the dark is far more precious than gold. Nothing overcomes the enemy's tactics or thwarts his desires more clearly than that. When everything seems stacked against us and we trust God, praise him, and lean on him anyway, we have won invisible victories that are visibly celebrated in Heaven. Our faith in the dark is treasured by God." -- Chris Tiegreen, Experiencing God's Presence

Celebrating the many victories you and your Dad have won because of your steadfast faith that is anchored in our Lord and Savior.

Blessings,
Debbie

Grateful (... and encouraged... me & my Dad)  

Draw Me Close -- A Song and a Portrait

Today, I share a song by Michael W. Smith, "Draw Me Close to You" and a portrait of my Dad, Capt. Billy. (Note the countenance on his face and the shirt he chose to wear on the day he would find out from his oncologist that some cancer cells have reappeared.)

Song link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_oYr-P16M

(If photo below does not fully display click on image.)

Grateful