He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
Psalm 111:4
Hello everyone! It's been so long. I almost feel like I'm seeing old friends. So much has happened since last I wrote in my blog. Much sorrow, joy and change. What I can say is that God has been present and his mercy and grace have been heavy on my family and myself.
The year ended and began with much sorrow, joy and hope. Back in September my Grandmother found she had lung cancer. That was her worst fear. And mine. Surprisingly, God used that most feared beast. Much healing came from it. At first my Grandma had the attitude of "let's fight this thing!" Just a month or so after radiation she became considerably exhausted. Her being that tired was strange. She was always so strong and a go getter!
After Christmas she got Pneumonia and the flu! We thought she was going to die like the doctor said, in 2-5 days. God graciously extended her life to a little over a month. In that time my Mom, her oldest sister and one of my sisters visited her and helped take care of her. My Grandma moved in with my Mom's youngest sister as soon as she could after being diagnosed.
With the assistance of Hospice care we saw the blessing in valuing the last days. My Grandma stopped fighting but surrendered the rest of her days to Christ. Her faith flourished and her hunger for eternity and her savior was unquenchable. She also longed to see those who went on before her. One person in particular was her mother. I was at home with my other two sister (my oldest sister is married now so technically she was with her husband at her home ) and my Dad. We often texted and called her. Thanking her for her presence in our lives and expressed our gratefulness to God that he placed her into our lives. She went home quietly in February surrounded by her three daughters. Even the way she passed was an answer to prayer. Being at home with family around. Not in pain but, peace. She died five months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.
Psalm 23:1-2
Now, almost four months since she passed I am of course still in shock at times that she's gone. It hits me with cold numb fingers like a slap. She's gone. I've never lost someone I was so close too. In the midst of all of that I can't believe how faithful God has been. How kind and gracious. This literally was my worst fear. Me getting cancer or someone in my family. When I first found out my Grandma had lung cancer I didn't freak out like I usually do. I sat down with admiration and wonder and asked Him, "what are you doing." It's strange how we all know that no one lives forever. Yet; we act like we are invincible. We believe that those we love would out live the clutches of death. When that dark cruel creature shows up. We stare at it like we've never heard of it in our lives. There is an exception however.
He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 25:8
If you have surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior and turned from your sin; you don't need to fear death! My Grandma readily accepted death! Like I told you earlier, My Grandma looked forward to seeing Jesus and living forever with the Savior that she put her faith in and followed for many years. She was ready to go home.
Last week all of my My family buried my Grandma's ashes. We respected her wishes to be buried by her Father who went on before her when she was only 3 years old. We held our own service. It was a beautiful day. We sang her favorite hymn and ended the whole service with the 'Lord's prayer.' She's home now! Not in the ground but in the presence of Jesus.
The sanctification walk can be a long one for some. And short for others. Like stairs we have to take it one step at a time. Jesus is there each step of the way. Cleansing us and renewing us until His return or our coming home.
