Foundation and Hope

We traveled the last couple of days to Ron's hometown for his Uncle Jim's funeral.  It was a complete shock to all of us that Uncle Jim was gone.  He had been out mowing when he evidently knew something was wrong.  He made it up to the porch and called out to his wife, Joan, and then he died before she could even get to him!  It really is so sad to know that he is gone, but yesterday as I sat in the funeral service, a realization hit me of how "final" death is to so many!  Honestly, without Jesus  - death is the end - there is nothing else! On the flip side, with Jesus, death is just the beginning! 

So many have no hope at all when a loved one dies!  I realized yesterday you can even see it in the eyes of those who are left behind.  Yesterday was a celebration for those of us who know where Uncle Jim is and who know that one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven.  However, for some it was...so final!  It's as if they were completely and utterly LOST in every sense of the word. 

The trip and couple of days with extended family made me realize again just how precious my own family is!  I have 2 sets of Godly parents (both mine and Ron's) who have laid a foundation in their parenting and lifestyles that says, "Jesus Christ is Lord" and "without Him there is nothing - nothing else matters".  I am blessed beyond words to have that foundation.  Yes I had to make the decision for myself, no one could do it for me, but I also had people surrounding me to make it a decision I wanted to make. People who taught me that there can be HOPE!

My heart hurts for those who are blind to the saving power of Jesus Christ! 

I was so excited by the Pastor Carter's funeral message.  He offered each one there the opportunity to accept the gift Christ gave and make Him Lord of their lives. He did a fantastic job and Uncle Jim would have been pleased!

Jesus, help me to be an example to all those I come into contact with of Your love, of the Hope You have to offer and of the salvation You offer to each one!