Wow. I am just in awe of this past week and it's happenings. The past 3 weeks have been very difficult. The last week and half of them the toughest. Sometimes I sit confused as to what all is happening and sometimes I wonder what on earth God's plans are for everyone. I will never comprehend this side of Heaven.
As you know on of my junior highers is just awaiting her time to go see Jesus. All signs lead to this happening today but Samantha just keeps fighting so I do not know.
Last week my mom called me and told me about a girl that my brother and I went to gradeschool with. Lauara Laughlin. She was 27 years old when the Lord took her. Laura was a newlywed when she was on her way to work one morning and a dump truck hit her. I watch videos and looking at pictures and stories online from her life, her wedding, from who she had become and my heart just hurts for those surrounding her.
Late last night I got a phone call from a guy I went to school with. He told me that he was sorry to leave a voicemail like the one he was leaving but that our friend Bobby from college had died that evening. Bobby was such a geniune guy. He found good in everyone and in everything and loved the Lord with his all. Bobby was playing basketball and on his way down from making a shot collapsed and went to Heaven. I know Bobby is in heaven, but here on earth our hearts hurt, we wonder why now, we will miss him!
On top of all of this there are some other big things floating into my office, that I know I can't take care of or take on on my own but that people I care dearly for are dealing with.
In Junior high I was presented with a plaque in chapel less than a year after my brother died. It was dedicating our school gymnasium in memory of my oldest brother Brian. Our principal picked out a verse for Brian that he found very fitting and I later choose it for my confirmation verse, I see it as a life verse.
Phil 3:13-14 "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize by which I have been called heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Our life is temporary here on earth.... we should constantly be looking at the finish line and know that the finish line is the start of life in heaven. We don't know when that line comes because we are just looking forward to Jesus, he knows us better than anyone and he coaches us up until that time until we are in his arms.
Keep looking ahead! The past is full of memories and those are fun, but if we look back we aren't focusing on what God is giving us for today, we aren't living this gift of life to the fullest. I am bad at doing this so many times, but thankful that my Coach leads me to the right path.
May you live each day in joy and happiness, taking set backs in strife and focusing on heaven.
You are all so special to me, and I am thankful you are a part of my life.
Love,
Mel
3 comments:
Mel, I thank God for you and for the strong faith that you have and share with everyone. Brian taught us all so much in his short 16 years here on earth and we can look forward because of him. Thank God our time here on earth is temporary and that we will all be together someday rejoicing in heaven. I love you and pray that you can remain strong in your faith with so much to handle at such a young age. I hope the plaque in Grace Chapel's gym will always remain reminding everyone what we all have to look forward to...our perfect life in heaven.
Melissa...I want you to know that you are truly one of God's most beautiful creations. I know I've told you that I've been thinking about you and praying for you a ton lately. You are a rock, and a so wise when it comes to matters such as these, but I hope you know that you don't always have to be strong...it's ok to be upset and overwhelmed and let it out. Let us be there for you if you need it, but more importantly remember that we don't go it alone, and we have God with us all the time...I know you know...but take some time to just dwell in God's richness and grace...you won't be sorry you did.
I love you...most definitely more than a pine tree. Your mom is right. Brian did teach us all alot...and I amazed at the strength I see in the scheer family...God has blessed you to be a blessing my dear!
lots of love! : ) hugs, kisses and pedicures...
Rachel
Oh Melly, it is tough during the tough times isn't it? And sometimes it just seems like when it rains it pours doesn't it? Know that God is holding you close right now.
The Lord is a great big mystery, but I believe with all my heart that he works for the good of those who love Him. He will see you through this trying time just as He has see you through in the past.
At our district HS gathering this weekend, I think our speaker, Pastor Jon, said it best. "Don't look behind you, don't look down, but always look up to your Savior in Heaven."
It was such a great weekend, and one of the things that really made me stop and give praise is the community of believers God has placed in my life that help me to get through the tough times and rejoice with me in the good times.
I will pray that some good times come your way soon, so we can do some rejoicing with you! :)
You know I'm here if you need me.
Always,
Candace
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