grandma

This weekend we celebrated the life of my grandma, Loreen.  She left us this letter to be read after her death.  What a comfort and encouragement to us as we strive to life a purposeful, Christ-centered life.  Thank you, grandma!

Dated May 2009

To My Loved Ones,

I do not know how , nor when, I will die.  No one picks the time of his or her death.  Some die young – some live to be old like Grandpa and me.  God will choose the day we die- God is good and loves us all.  My death will not be a mistake.

If God wants me to come to Heaven and live with Him; then that is the best thing for us all.  God has decided my work on earth is finished.  It is time for me to live in Heaven with Him.

What a joy it will be!  I can’t imagine what kind of glory it will be to see Jesus face to face: and also see Grandpa again, my Dad, my mother, brothers, grandparents. How exciting Heaven will be!  What a party we will have.

I have to say too, that death is a bit scary, just because we don’t know what Heaven is like,  There are so many things we don’t know like what does an immortal body look like – What will we do in Heaven?

But we do know, “that we are not our own, but belong body and soul, in life or in death, to our faithful Savior and Lord.” so as I lay on my bed I commit my soul, my body, my family and my death to God.  I will trust Him with both my body and my soul for eternity.

“Though God’s wise and loving purpose clearly now, I may not see, yet I believe, by grace through faith all will work for good for you and me.”  John Calvin

So when I die, you must not be too sad.  Remember all the good times we had together at Lake Watab, birthday celebrations, pulling taffy, eating caramel rolls. I’m so glad I lived to see my grandchildren all grow into fine young men and women, and that I go to hold so many of my great-grandchildren and kiss them on the cheek.  I love each and everyone of you so much.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with me.” and so with this certain knowledge I can face my death knowing that, “I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever!” That is a long time.  I will keep on living, I just won’t live on earth anymore.

My prayer is that you will all come and dwell there with me!  See you in Heaven – Goodbye for now, but not forever!

Love,

Mom, Grandma and G. Grandma

Deut. 33:12

If you are sad about my death; read this verse. God is talking about a hug – “A big bear hug.”

Pull this verse up under chin like you would a warm blanket on a cold winter night and be comforted. God will enfold you in His love and Spirit and give you comfort!

“When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing a song of victory!”

“We will see Him face to face and tell the story, “Saved by Grace.”