Children of the Heavenly Father

Early this year my Dad passed away from this earth into Eternity with his Lord and Savior.  It happened unexpectedly.  I miss his reassuring way and his quiet nuggets of wisdom and his strong faith as my lifelong example.  I've been feeling a little lost without Dad around to rely on for these things as I have the past 40 some years.
However, soon after I'd heard that he had died I had a moment where I imagined how he was being welcomed into Heaven.  This stunned me and even made me smile with reassurance.  Dad had received the ultimate gift and he was Home forever.  Why? Because he is a child of God.  We all are.  It find it fascinating that as Christians we can rejoice in death - even while we cry.
At Dad's funeral we sang one of his favorite hymns.

 

Children of the Heavenly Father

Safetly in his bosom gather; nestling bird or star in heaven

Such a refuge ne'er was given (vs.1)

 

Neither life nor death shall ever

From the Lord his children sever; Unto them his grace he showeth,

And their sorrows all he knoweth. (vs.3)

 



 

Children need nurturing.  Here in Malawi I am presently enjoying the gift of sharing spiritual nourishment with our VBS Team to so many Malawian children. 

 

Some tug at your heart more than others...

And I also have the joy of watching my own 3 children grow in serving Him !

 

 

This Holy Week my thoughts are focused on our lives as children of God.  Of Dad who for 77 years both attended and led worship services every season of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday and who this year and for eternity will worship the true Redeemer in Heaven ! And in 3 days we'll join him, though still on earth, and sing the Victory of the Risen Savior from sin!

And then....

Some day we'll all be safetly gathered - all of His Children with our Heavenly Father forever in Heaven.  I look forward to it.

 

(This photo was taken of Dad pointing the way to Jesus just a few days before he himself was taken to Heaven !)

 

 

 



Priceless Treasure

Fruits and Veggies are enjoyed by season here.  Only rarely are there the imported ones found shriveling on the grocery store shelf for an extravagant price.  Otherwise, in every yard and along the streets there is an abundant blessing of mangoes, pineapple, guava, granadilla, tomatoes etc. all in their own seasonal turn.  Pumpkins, for example, are not available in November to those Americans wishing to celebrate Thanksgiving, however, now in April they are beginning to show up.  Greenish on the outside with a surprising bright orange flesh inside.  I have learned to bake now and remember to freeze some for later.  Mangoes come for Christmas and presently we are enjoying avocadoes KWAMBIRI ( so many !!)
Yesterday I went for a walk around our yard, as I like to do before the sun goes down, and found this priceless treasure left lying on the ground!

In my efforts to focus on this Lenten Season using God's imagery around me in Malawi the words of this well known hymn came to mind:

Jesus, Priceless Treasure vs. 4

 "Hence, all earthly treasure! Jesus is my pleasure;

Jesus is my choice. Hence, all empty glory!

Naught to me thy story, Told with tempting voice.

Pain or loss or shame or cross,

Shall not from my Savior move me

Since he deigns to love me"

 

This hymn text was first written in the later 1600's. Hence such words which naught do I grow tired from even in the year 2014.  Beautifully written.  Knowing that similar struggles and temptations inspired someone to pen these words of praise for a much realized Savior then -  are comfort to me now as I type up my blog to share via internet.

Looking at those avocadoes left rotting below the tree I think about the difficulty I am having to know so many people who have let the free gift of God's Grace fall around them.  Some even walking over it to dig it further from their hearts and minds.  Those who held it in hand only to drop it and move on.  Even myself who is aware of it's goodness and so easily sets it aside in favor of less healthier choices.

 

Thankful for the benefit of knowing what God offers - for free - I am compelled to pick up His Word and be assured again and again of His priceless gift just as I am grateful for the treasure of healthy goodness provided me in Malawi by picking up those avocadoes off the ground!  Guess what's on our menu tonight?