I Lost a Friend

"So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side." 

John Bunyan, 1628-1688

It was the end of the year in 1978. I was a new Christian, just finding my way in a new church, and lots of new people that I didn't know. The church was starting a Single's Ministry, still a new concept in church life, and since I was a single parent I decided that's where I should be.

On the Sunday of the first Sunday School class for singles, I found a seat next to a lady. And that's how are 40 year friendship began.

Clara and I have been writing monthly notes to each other ever since, occasionally calling on special occasions. She moved near Ashville, NC some 30 years ago, but distance didn't deter our friendship.

Clara was 20 years my senior, a warm and inviting Christian woman, and I loved her. She died in January. My tears have just stopped. This is the first time in my 68 years that I've lost someone close to me. I will see her again in heaven.

I will miss her monthly notes, her hand writing and how she expressed herself. I will miss that connection with another human via the instrument of note writing. We last spoke at Christmas.

 
The note came from her daughter today telling me of her passing. There is someone in heaven who will welcome me home when I get there. Jesus and Clara.

I'm very fortunate I haven't lost people that I held close to my heart in this life before this. I've lost grandparents, my father, aunts and uncles and cousins, but my family was very cold and strife was the familiar language. So friends became those dear to my heart.

I am fortunate in friends. I maintain contact with friends from all seasons of life. Some of you may remember the "Celebration of Friends" party I had for my 55th birthday. I celebrated sixteen of my closest friends on a beautiful March afternoon, thanking them for their friendship. It's one of the most important things I've done in my life.

I will miss Clara. And I will strive to hold dear the many friends I have while they are here. At this season of my life, I will see more loved ones pass on to the next life, settling in heaven. But for now, my heart hurts.

"Each departed friend is a magnet that attracts us to the next world."

Johann Paul Freidrich Richter, 1763-1825

PS  After reading this post, my friend, Carol, sent over Michael W. Smith's beautiful song, "Friends are Friends Forever."  I saw Michael Smith singing this in concert some 38 years ago. Thanks Carol, for reminding me of this wonderful song!

"Packing up the dreams God planted In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus
"And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never 'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends

"With the faith and love God's given Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong."

Chorus
 
https://binged.it/2EKyRtW

Do You Remember the Day?

 As a snow lover, this picture made out of wool drew me in. The beauty and sparkle of snow is amazing. I love to wake up to freshly fallen snow. I found this last November during the Gingerbread Tour here in Jefferson County.

"My soul was so full of joy I wanted to tell every snowflake falling from heaven of the wondrous love of Jesus . . ." Charles Spurgeon

Yes, Charles Spurgeon gave me thought once again about a special day in my life. The day I chose Jesus. Following is portions of his words on his special day:

"Dear believer, do you remember the day your shackles fell away? Do you recall the place where Jesus met you and said, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love?' . . . Oh, what a sweet day it is when Jesus takes away the pain of sin! When the Lord first pardoned my sin, I was so joyful, I could barely refrain from dancing."

I remember that day. I was 28, a single parent, and no reason to live. I told God: "If you are really there, and there's a reason I should go on, please show me." Shortly after that a friend told me I might find what I was looking for at church.

So I entered a church one Sunday morning, and a few weeks later gave my life to Christ during a revival. I walked down that aisle holding hands with Sandy. I made the choice to be saved.

Walking home that evening I said to God: "I'm not sure what I've done, but I believe it is the right thing. Help me see your way." And He did.

That was a giant step for a shy, sheltered and extreme introvert to get up out of her seat and walk down the aisle of a church. God saw me in His likeness and drew me to Him despite my sinful life. He washed me white as snow.

Billy Graham told a story of a Christian man whose un-Christian friend came to him and asked: "If I get born again, will all of my problems go away?" "No," said the man, "but you will have the power to deal with them." And you will. I have.

As you who have given your life for Christ know, life is no picnic. We're going to hurt just as much as anyone else; we're going to be sad just as much as anyone else, and we're going to cry just as much as anyone else. Those are the facts.

But down deep inside there is a hope that lives in you and generates the power to get through. When you can't pray, the Holy Spirit prays for you. When you can't sing, I believe the angels sing your song, and when you can't find your way, Jesus guides your steps. It's beyond your imagination to understand how He does it, but it is as real as me sitting here typing to you.

Am I just a weak person? You hear so often "you just need a crutch. You're weak." Yes, I am weak, but when presidents, CEOs, orchestra conductors, policemen and women and everyday people confess to being a Christian believer, I find myself in very comfortable shoes!

Do you remember that day? It was one of the most important days of my life. I am fortunate to remember the exact date, November 14, 1978. I celebrate this anniversary every year. This coming November I will celebrate 40 years of living a life dedicated to God. Now that's something to remember! And I have snowflakes here to tell!

One of my favorite snow pictures! I was at the sheep farm where I take a lot of snaps of lamb. The snow was heavy and the sheep were under cover. Just a happy moment for me!