And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

Yesterday was another glorious Sunday! When I went to church, I was thrilled to see my friend, Deb, had returned!!! Her husband was sick this spring. She took him to be close to family members. She knew his time on earth was ending; she knew when she returned home, she would be returning by herself.

Yesterday, Deb shared amazing stories of her time away. She described the last days leading up to her hunsband's passing. She shared that she thanked her husband for fighting through so many medical challenges, and thanked him for staying alive for her. But now, it was time for him to go Home. Upon hearing this, her husband (Jer) opened his eyes wide. Deb quickly told him one last thing, "Hold on for a little bit longer! I need to get the kids here!" Deb was able to summon the kids to the room. Five minutes after they arrived, Jer departed this world.

When Deb saw Jer had slipped away, she told the family, although Jer is absent from his body, he is now present with the Lord. Jer's son, who has not trusted Jesus to be his Savior, became wide eyed. He felt tremendously comforted that his father's death was not the end. Jer is now truly at Home surrounded by his heavenly family. Perhaps in time, the son will make the commitment to trust Jesus and to choose heaven. What a joy it would be to have him join his dad in heaven!

As the Lord would have it, yesterday's sermon was on the very last stanza of Psalm 23, "And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." What comfort it is as I think of Jer's passing to know he is now dwelling forever with the Lord. As I gazed at Deb, I saw a woman not engulfed in grief for her loss. Rather, I saw a woman full of strength, grace and peace. The words of Jesus drift through the air, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

Deb, in this time when most people are filled with grief and sorrow, is filled with great peace and even joy. She told me she is so happy Jer is not suffering and is at Home! What a tremendous blessing Deb is to my life! What an incredible testimony she is of God's peace and love.

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (One of my favorite songs):
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling--
Calling for you and for me.
Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching--
Watching for you and for me.

Come home! come home!
Ye who are weary come home!
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling, oh sinner, come home!

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing--
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, death-beds are coming--
Coming for you and for me!

Come home! Come home!
Ye who are weary, come home!
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling, oh sinner, come home!