Month: September 2019

Today is Sept. 25^th. My mom would be 94 today, but since she’s in heaven, she isn’t growing old! She is enjoying eternal peace without aging. On the other hand, my dad usually doesn’t know what day it is and seldom speaks of my mom unless I mention her. He is so ready to be with her, though, and wonders what purpose God has for him since he isn’t able to do what he used to do. He lives with me now since his heatstroke in late June. We have caregivers who come at night and during the day when I need them.

I had to arrange more caregivers this week so I could come to my daughter’s home in TN yesterday to be “mom” instead of daughter for awhile. Her husband was brought home from the hospital with Hospice and passed away two hours later. Another family member is home with Jesus leaving the rest of us to grieve.

The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4 offer hope to God’s people.

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (1 Thess. 4:13-14).

Yes, we grieve for ourselves, but it is a temporary grief. One day all tears will be wiped away by Jesus, our Savior.         

“And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each others with these words” (1 Thess. 4:17b-18).

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits . . .” (Psalm 103:1-2).

There are so many benefits when walking with God. How can we not praise Him? Think about these benefits David wrote in his psalm.

He forgives our sin.

He heals all our diseases.

Redeems our lives.

Crowns us with love and compassion.

Satisfies our desires with good things.

Our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

He works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

Made his deeds known to the people.

He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Does not repay us according to our sins, nor treat us as our sins deserve.

His love is great—as high as the heavens are above the earth.

He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.

He has compassions on his children–those who fear Him.

He knows how we are formed and remembers we are dust.

As a grandparent I really like verses 17 and 18 of Psalm 103. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”

I think we grandparents have the responsibility to be involved in our grandchildren’s lives (as much as possible) and to be a godly example of a life of praise. Our children and grandchildren need to see, as well as hear, our praise to God for all His benefits!

Note to self: more praising God today and less on self-pity or complaining.

Dear God, today I thank You for your compassion and love and especially for renewing my strength. Bless our grandchildren and protect them from the evil one. Amen