I have been reminded once again that life is so short and we are only on this earth for a short time. That for some like Bro. Gaylor, that may be many many "short" years, but for others, like Chris, it's just a very few "short" years.
We are praying for the families of these who have lost their loved ones in recent days/weeks:
Deby Hyatt - Jeff & I went to Girard High School with Deby and we all graduated together in 1971 - so she was our age. I don't recall that we have seen Deby or talked to her since graduation. Our prayer is that she had a personal relationship with Jesus. Our prayers are with her family.
Last week, a sweet "
sister" from our Antioch Baptist, Conway days,
Becki Jackson, passed away. Becki always had a warm smile and an encouraging word for us each time we saw her. Her mother, Miss Kathleen was very faithful to Jeff's Wednesday Home Group. We know Becki leaves behind two children and a grandson that are sure going to miss her. Becki is another one who is very close in age to Jeff & I. To Tiffany and the rest of the family - you are in our prayers!
Also last Friday, our good friend, Carolyn Smith lost her 55 year old brother, Lynn Smith. It was a sudden death and a shock to the family. Carolyn was a very active, faithful member of our mission work in Nevada, Missoui. After Jeff & I moved to Jacksonville, Texas for Jeff to be Dean of Students at JBC -- Carolyn followed a few months thereafter and also worked at JBC. She now lives and works in Tyler, Texas, but thanks to email, we have remained close. Sadly, my memories of Lynn involve yet another sad event. While at Nevada, Lynn and Diane's baby boy died of crib death. It's the only funeral I've attended for a baby. He was so precious laying in that tiny coffin. Lynn's in-laws were members of our church when Jeff pastored Mt. Zion, Garland - so we are so sad for all the family and are praying for them!
And then this week........two more deaths:
Bro. Leon Gaylor from Jacksonville, Texas. Bro. Gaylor was father to our sweet friend, Jean Galyean and Pastor Emeritus at Craft Baptist Church, where Jeff pastored in the late 80's. We were very close to the Galyeans and to the Gaylors!! God blessed Bro. and Mrs. Gaylor with long, fulfilling lives and they were faithful to their last breathe to their Lord. On a humorous note, Jeff still laughingly talks about Bro. Gaylor's driving......it made him a nervous wreck :-) Jean and family -- we love you and are praying God will comfort you during these days.
Yesterday, we received word of the very unexpected death of Chris Bell. Chris is the son of Larry & Claudia Bell of Mesquite. The Bells were very active at Calvary Baptist Church while Jeff was pastor there. Chris and his brother Brad were great friends of our boys, Josh & Andy. We have many wonderful memories of fun, fun times with Larry & Claudia.......two people who could make you laugh and laugh and enjoy life. Larry, Claudia, and Brad.....please know our hearts are very saddened in your loss. Many prayers are being offered for all of you!!
As I pondered these untimely deaths, I was reminded of many passages from God's Word, which have brought me comfort and reminded me about some things......
God does know the number of our days; life is short.........we must know Jesus personally and then live every day for the Lord, so that we will be ready when He calls us home!
Psalm 39:4"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."Psalm 89:47:
"Remember how fleeting is my life."Psalm 104:33:
"I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."Proverbs 8:35:
"For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD."Psalm 116:15:
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."I am "borrowing" something someone said on Lynn Smith's brother's status on Facebook - that is so very true:
Why do we wait so long to tell someone that we love them, or just to call them to say Hi to see how they are today.... We all live too busy of lives and forget the important things like friends and family.
Forgive me, Lord, as I know I'm so guilty of that! So from this blog posting -- I just want to tell all my family and friends: I am so very thankful for you - for your love, for your friendship, and for your encouragement down thru the years. May each of us never take a day for granted and may we be found faithfully serving our Lord...........till He comes to rapture us from this earth or takes us home in death. What a day, glorious day, that will be!
I love you!
I had to have a couple of cups of snow to munch on.............
And then Mom fixed my favorite.........snow ice cream - yum, yum!!
And then the best thing -- Sunday morning, the sun was shining brightly, the roads were clear and we had a great day at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (the church I grew up in) as Jeff began a revival on End Times..........
I had to come on home Sunday afternoon to work a few days - but will return in time for the Wednesday evening final service. Thursday, Mom, Jeff & I, Kaye & Rob, and Bev & Don are flying to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a mini vacation to celebrate Mom's 80th birthday! Will post all about it when we get home.
Not really happy with his game.........
