There are so many joys today. The Sun is out, My friend Kelsey is graduating from College and delivering her speech, the children are filled with crazy happiness, and I spent all day yesterday with a 6 day old baby. ( for those of you that know me... this shocked myself)  Today, it is my day off but I like to work ahead, so that I can enjoy my days and not get behind. For Monday, we have to pick out some hymns for a funeral service we are having at church. Since my church is so young, this is the 2nd funeral we have had since last August. My Pastor and I are blessed with the opportunity to comfort with words of truth, from the Grace of God to a family that is mourning.


2 weeks before Thanksgiving 2011, Rachel and I got in our car and made the hardest trip we have had to make. We woke up and drove, from Milwaukee to Detroit. We knew we would arrive upon a "goodbye". Grandma Ella was saying goodbye to us all. Of course, we saw joy that day. She just wanted to play go fish, and talk about her life. She told us a story about how she danced with our Grandpa, and fell in love with him. Very romantic, I know. But it wasn't just that story she left us with. With a wonderful voicemail to our whole family, letters, cards, etc...   She left a passion. Her heart  was confident in the Lord and his promises. As a child she knew the Word of God, it was engraved in her, like an inscription. The Holy Spirit gave her the Word to recite in her memory, and reflect upon. We saw her recite the Word. Not reading from the bible, but it was internalized in her heart.  I have seen this in my Mom.  When all else went in life, Grandma Ella still had the foundation of Gods Word. 
When we said our goodbyes at the hospital, I knew her prayer was for us to be able to say " Jesus is my life, my hopes foundation, and my glory and salvation" with all confidence. Because this is truth.
Every tear, prayer, hug, and grasp. Rachel and I knew what was ahead. We knew it was Life.  I just pray that in times of despair, and in our weakness,  we may all return upon the knowledge and hope we were given in our Baptism and through his Word. To God our Lord be praised for this.

For Monday, We praise Jesus for the Salvation he has given to us all, the gift of eternal life.

 

On my heart imprint Your image, Blessed Jesus, King of grace

That life's riches, cares, and pleasures Never may your work erase;

Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,

Is my life, my hopes foundation, And my glory and salvation.