Until this afternoon, I have always been convinced that death must be the height of loneliness, the epitome of isolation. The assumption has always been that, no matter who sits at your bedside, who cries to lose you, and whose lives will never be quite the same without you, no one goes with you. It is you alone who will step on as you leave your earthly life behind.
But today, as I have prayed, pondered, and petitioned about our amazing friend, Trey Erwin, the Lord has absolutely convinced me otherwise. Oh, how sweetly the great Teacher has taught me in the last few hours.
You see, family would rarely choose to be absent as a loved one dies. I am quite certain that, if it is within his power and the situation were to arise, my big brother will be by my bedside as I pass into the presence of the Lord. Now, if our Lord is, as Proverbs 18:24 says, the "friend that sticks closer than a brother" (which He is), won't He go with us a step further than our earthly brother? If my brother is at my deathbed, this even greater Brother is surely present as I pass from that death and into the real life that awaits on the other side.
Psalm 46:1 assures us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble". If He is ever-present in our lives as we face trouble day to day, does it not stand to reason that He will surely be present with us as we face this great trouble - the final trouble that every believer faces as we exit our fallen world?
If the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, as Jesus described Him to His disciples, we certainly have to reason to assume that His comfort would end as we approach death. On the contrary, as He always does in times of need, He likely comforts and aids more lavishly in these moments than in any others in our history.
And if the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (which He most certainly does), will He not indwell us each moment until we no longer dwell within our own flesh? I imagine that, as our own spirit (which is who we truly are) exits our body, so does the Holy Spirit that in-dwelt us. And it seems the most likely thing in the world that He, who has comforted and corrected us so lovingly and intimately as we have walked on this earth (which is not our home), walks us straight into the presence of our Lord, where our hearts truly belong.
Jesus experienced the ultimate death - death in utter darkness, separated entirely from the presence of God - so that we would never have to experience such a thing. The believer in Christ can always do as Trey Erwin did today...walk with Jesus straight into the arms of Jesus - all because of Jesus.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Comfort of Comfort Food
It's so strange feeling like I'm living stuck in transition. It is such an incredible blessing to be able to stay in our amazing church's mission house until we find a new home here, but it's an interesting experience living somewhere that is not your home. We have our clothes and Max's toys, but that's about it. Nothing else is ours.
So....I cook. I know it sounds weird, but cooking one of our favorite dinners makes me feel at home here. I have to admit to you, though, things have been so busy, I've only cooked a handful of times so far, but things are beginning to calm down. So, tonight I made on of our favorites....Chicken Cobbler Casserole. It's originally from Southern Living; I've altered it just a little to suit our tastes. If you're looking for a warm, cozy winter dinner, try this one!!!
Chicken Cobbler Casserole
6 T. margarine
1/2 loaf of French bread, cubed
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 T. parsley
1 med. yellow onion, chopped
1 8-oz. pkg. mushrooms, sliced
1 c. buttermilk
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. drained and chopped roasted red peppers
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
-Melt 4 T. of your margarine. Toss with bread chunks, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set aside.
-Saute onion in remaining 2 T. of margarine over med. high heat until golden brown. Add mushrooms and saute 5 additional minutes. Stir in buttermilk, soup, chicken, and red peppers. Cook over med. heat until bubbling, stirring frequently.
-Spoon heated mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Dump bread chunks over the top; press slightly.
-Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
*If you don't have buttermilk, which I usually don't.....Combine 1 T. lemon juice and 1 c. milk. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and..... TADA! Buttermilk substitute! I actually do this so much that I don't like the taste of real buttermilk anymore! Go figure!
Enjoy....cook.....spend time at home with your family. Good for the wallet, and good for the soul!
Blessings!
So....I cook. I know it sounds weird, but cooking one of our favorite dinners makes me feel at home here. I have to admit to you, though, things have been so busy, I've only cooked a handful of times so far, but things are beginning to calm down. So, tonight I made on of our favorites....Chicken Cobbler Casserole. It's originally from Southern Living; I've altered it just a little to suit our tastes. If you're looking for a warm, cozy winter dinner, try this one!!!
Chicken Cobbler Casserole
6 T. margarine
1/2 loaf of French bread, cubed
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 T. parsley
1 med. yellow onion, chopped
1 8-oz. pkg. mushrooms, sliced
1 c. buttermilk
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. drained and chopped roasted red peppers
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
-Melt 4 T. of your margarine. Toss with bread chunks, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set aside.
-Saute onion in remaining 2 T. of margarine over med. high heat until golden brown. Add mushrooms and saute 5 additional minutes. Stir in buttermilk, soup, chicken, and red peppers. Cook over med. heat until bubbling, stirring frequently.
-Spoon heated mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Dump bread chunks over the top; press slightly.
-Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
*If you don't have buttermilk, which I usually don't.....Combine 1 T. lemon juice and 1 c. milk. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and..... TADA! Buttermilk substitute! I actually do this so much that I don't like the taste of real buttermilk anymore! Go figure!
Enjoy....cook.....spend time at home with your family. Good for the wallet, and good for the soul!
Blessings!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
So......where were we??
Wow.
Life has changed a bit since I last posted. (That was a slight understatement....) Many of you have probably heard this, but I just wanted to take a minute to share what God has done with you.
Ryan and I desire more than anything else for the Lord to have his way with us - for our lives to be spent in His name and for the furthering of His kingdom in any way He sees fit. Through prayer and His Word, the Lord brought us a real peace about moving to Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, MS (just outside Jackson) late this fall. Then, He orchestrated events and hearts (both ours and those here in Brandon) as only He could to lead us to Crossgates beyond a shadow of a doubt. We know for a fact that we are in the center of God's will for our lives, and that is an amazing thing.
We left behind so many amazing friends in Houston, and even some family! It was not an easy thing to do, especially around Christmastime. We missed saying goodbye to many people due to all that was going on, and it was especially difficult. If you are one of the friends we left behind, know that you are missed. We so enjoyed our time in Houston and our experience at Second. We are truly grateful.
Not only did God clearly direct us here, but He has been so faithful to work out every detail of the move. He has truly told us "This is the way; walk in it" at every turn. In the month of December, in an already depressed housing market and struggling economy, God sold our home in Houston in only ELEVEN DAYS. It was truly a miracle. Not to mention - the couple wanted to move into the home quickly; we closed on it last week. We only owned a house in Houston for 9 days after we moved; we had feared it would be months and months! He is Jehovah Jireh indeed, and has been so faithful to provide all that we have needed.
We are now living in the mission house that belongs to our church; it is such an amazing blessing, and is providing us with a few months to save a little money and try to find a new place to live here in Brandon! We would certainly covet your prayers as we adjust to our new life and ministry here. We are more than excited about all the Lord has in store for our family!
More to come.....
Life has changed a bit since I last posted. (That was a slight understatement....) Many of you have probably heard this, but I just wanted to take a minute to share what God has done with you.
Ryan and I desire more than anything else for the Lord to have his way with us - for our lives to be spent in His name and for the furthering of His kingdom in any way He sees fit. Through prayer and His Word, the Lord brought us a real peace about moving to Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, MS (just outside Jackson) late this fall. Then, He orchestrated events and hearts (both ours and those here in Brandon) as only He could to lead us to Crossgates beyond a shadow of a doubt. We know for a fact that we are in the center of God's will for our lives, and that is an amazing thing.
We left behind so many amazing friends in Houston, and even some family! It was not an easy thing to do, especially around Christmastime. We missed saying goodbye to many people due to all that was going on, and it was especially difficult. If you are one of the friends we left behind, know that you are missed. We so enjoyed our time in Houston and our experience at Second. We are truly grateful.
Not only did God clearly direct us here, but He has been so faithful to work out every detail of the move. He has truly told us "This is the way; walk in it" at every turn. In the month of December, in an already depressed housing market and struggling economy, God sold our home in Houston in only ELEVEN DAYS. It was truly a miracle. Not to mention - the couple wanted to move into the home quickly; we closed on it last week. We only owned a house in Houston for 9 days after we moved; we had feared it would be months and months! He is Jehovah Jireh indeed, and has been so faithful to provide all that we have needed.
We are now living in the mission house that belongs to our church; it is such an amazing blessing, and is providing us with a few months to save a little money and try to find a new place to live here in Brandon! We would certainly covet your prayers as we adjust to our new life and ministry here. We are more than excited about all the Lord has in store for our family!
More to come.....
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Come on, Owls!
No, I am not at a sporting event rooting for the "Owls" team....
As you can see, I chose an owl motif for my blog when I created it a few months ago. There is a very simple reason for this. I hate summer. Unclear logic, you say?? Let me explain...It gets hot here in Houston - very hot. And it stays hot for a very...very...very...long time. The owls made me think of fall, which I love with a rare and best left unexplored tenacity. I mean - I really love it. The sights, the sounds, the smells. I love the baking, the pumkpins, the apples....the leaves....oh, the leaves. (I haven't seen real fall leaves in a few years now.) So...I chose the owl motif simply because it reminded me of that most glorious time of year - the time at which summer is the farthest away. Fall leads to Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving to Christmas....it's bliss.
But the owls have failed me. I thought their "autumn-ness" could convince me that it was fall so thoroughly that my admittedly powerful mind might be able to alter the very fabric of reality - thereby creating fall.
Well, it's still 90 degrees here. The weatherman today even said that we'd have "more summertime" in the coming week. Oh, how I hate him. Well, not him...just the news he bears.
So, I'm asking the owls to please, please bring the fall. Come on!! I think you can. I think you can. I think you can...
As you can see, I chose an owl motif for my blog when I created it a few months ago. There is a very simple reason for this. I hate summer. Unclear logic, you say?? Let me explain...It gets hot here in Houston - very hot. And it stays hot for a very...very...very...long time. The owls made me think of fall, which I love with a rare and best left unexplored tenacity. I mean - I really love it. The sights, the sounds, the smells. I love the baking, the pumkpins, the apples....the leaves....oh, the leaves. (I haven't seen real fall leaves in a few years now.) So...I chose the owl motif simply because it reminded me of that most glorious time of year - the time at which summer is the farthest away. Fall leads to Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving to Christmas....it's bliss.
But the owls have failed me. I thought their "autumn-ness" could convince me that it was fall so thoroughly that my admittedly powerful mind might be able to alter the very fabric of reality - thereby creating fall.
Well, it's still 90 degrees here. The weatherman today even said that we'd have "more summertime" in the coming week. Oh, how I hate him. Well, not him...just the news he bears.
So, I'm asking the owls to please, please bring the fall. Come on!! I think you can. I think you can. I think you can...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wisdom used for Folly
I am at home tonight preparing to teach in the morning. Max is asleep; Ryan isn't home yet. It's the perfect, rare opportunity to prepare, think, and....blog.
We are in a series called "GO" on weekends in Jhigh right now...talking about evangelism. I have been thinking about this all night long now. I must admit to you, in every season of my life, this is something I have struggled with for one reason or another. I have always loved ministry and sharing Christ, but my actions have mostly occurred within church walls. I have always struggled with reaching the lost, unchurched world around me.
I remember in high school, we had a camp t-shirt with St. Augustine's famous quote on it: "Preach Christ at all times. If necessary, use words." Don't get me wrong; Augustine is right. This is a very biblical concept. We are, without a doubt, intended to be like stars shining in this crooked and depraved generation. However, my depravity of mind has used this quote to contribute to silence and lack of action at times in my life. How easy it has been to say, "I need not speak; surely they will notice my life." The problem, though, is simple. Our world very much believes that there is good within all people. Those of us who are in Christ know this to be a deceptive falsehood, but our secular culture adamantly believes it to be true. So...when (and if) the world notices my life as a Christian, they will likely label me as "good". They may think of me as a humanitarian if I am exceptionally helpful, a philanthropist if I am very generous, or an environmentalist if I marvel at the creation of my God.
No, indeed. Words ARE necessary. I MUST live my life in a way that honors Christ - no question. But I also MUST be a good, faithful steward of the ministry of reconciliation that has been entrusted to me. Lord, give us words. Lord, make us bold.
We are in a series called "GO" on weekends in Jhigh right now...talking about evangelism. I have been thinking about this all night long now. I must admit to you, in every season of my life, this is something I have struggled with for one reason or another. I have always loved ministry and sharing Christ, but my actions have mostly occurred within church walls. I have always struggled with reaching the lost, unchurched world around me.
I remember in high school, we had a camp t-shirt with St. Augustine's famous quote on it: "Preach Christ at all times. If necessary, use words." Don't get me wrong; Augustine is right. This is a very biblical concept. We are, without a doubt, intended to be like stars shining in this crooked and depraved generation. However, my depravity of mind has used this quote to contribute to silence and lack of action at times in my life. How easy it has been to say, "I need not speak; surely they will notice my life." The problem, though, is simple. Our world very much believes that there is good within all people. Those of us who are in Christ know this to be a deceptive falsehood, but our secular culture adamantly believes it to be true. So...when (and if) the world notices my life as a Christian, they will likely label me as "good". They may think of me as a humanitarian if I am exceptionally helpful, a philanthropist if I am very generous, or an environmentalist if I marvel at the creation of my God.
No, indeed. Words ARE necessary. I MUST live my life in a way that honors Christ - no question. But I also MUST be a good, faithful steward of the ministry of reconciliation that has been entrusted to me. Lord, give us words. Lord, make us bold.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Surprised by Dependence
I tend to think that I'm a pretty independent person. I am a bit of a control freak. Ask anyone I ever did a group project with at school... There are certain things I like certain ways, and up until the last year, my time was pretty much my own to do with as I pleased.
After Max was born, I was very dependent on Ryan. It just made such a difference to know that I didn't have to do everything on my own. Ryan was my partner. Then...time passed and I have become almost as independent as a mom as I tend to be in other areas. This is who I am...I think.
Then I have an experience like I did this morning. We have been on family vacation, and this morning Ryan headed back home to go back to work while Max and I go to visit family. I was a wreck. Apparently, I am much more dependent than I had previously realized. I guess I take my amazing husband for granted so often - the fact that he's there for me, the fact that he loves me, the fact that he puts our needs before his own. So, this morning has just reminded me how grateful I should be. Ryan, I love you...see you soon, but not soon enough.
After Max was born, I was very dependent on Ryan. It just made such a difference to know that I didn't have to do everything on my own. Ryan was my partner. Then...time passed and I have become almost as independent as a mom as I tend to be in other areas. This is who I am...I think.
Then I have an experience like I did this morning. We have been on family vacation, and this morning Ryan headed back home to go back to work while Max and I go to visit family. I was a wreck. Apparently, I am much more dependent than I had previously realized. I guess I take my amazing husband for granted so often - the fact that he's there for me, the fact that he loves me, the fact that he puts our needs before his own. So, this morning has just reminded me how grateful I should be. Ryan, I love you...see you soon, but not soon enough.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ah......it's about time.
So.....one of my New Year's resolutions was to start a blog. Tonight, I was sitting in Ryan's recliner looking at my super cute friend Ashley Fisher's super cute blog and I literally thought, "Should I just wait until next January and pretend like it's my 2011 resolution? No one will know...."
The random and incredibly tardy creation of this blog is directly related to my other New Year's resolution - STOP PROCRASTINATING. So....better late than even later, I say.
That's all for now...check back for more in the coming days and weeks!
The random and incredibly tardy creation of this blog is directly related to my other New Year's resolution - STOP PROCRASTINATING. So....better late than even later, I say.
That's all for now...check back for more in the coming days and weeks!
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