Greetings!

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”  –2 Corinthians 5:1

This week, I want to dedicate this blog post to my niece, Sandi.

Recently, I read the scripture above at my niece’s funeral. Actually, I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1, but when I got to the last line, I felt like I was about to take off. I could feel my spirit about to take flight. When my nephew asked me to read the New Testament scripture, I wanted to do a good job. He had never asked me to do anything before, so I wanted to make sure I didn’t let him down. I wanted to find something that really fit my niece…something that spoke to the person she was.  When I came across this scripture, it wouldn’t let me go. This scripture says that no matter what is going on with our physical bodies; it is only temporary…because where I’m going that old body won’t be needed. Praise God!

Sandi had suffered a lot over the last few years, but she never complained, and she never quit. Her physical body may have been under attack, but her spiritual body was getting stronger and stronger every day. She knew who she was in the Lord, and she was ready. I think she knew her time was close, and she began speaking things to her loved ones…giving them directions, advice, and counsel. In recent years, her life had become dedicated to serving and helping others. I think she was always that type of person, but I came to know her through her marriage to my nephew. She was a special person, with an extraordinary ability to adapt. She seemed to be able to fit in wherever she went. That is a gift.

The funny thing is…I never really got to know her. I mean I had conversations with her…some very deep conversations about God, and faith, and it was evident that she loved the Lord, but I never knew her like some of the other people who spoke at the funeral did. They talked about her ability to write songs, design jewelry, and make art…I never knew about that part of her or maybe I did and just didn’t pay attention—and that was an eye-opener. I thank her for that, because even in her passing she was able to bless others. I won’t let life just happen to me anymore.

My goal is to ask my loved ones about their dreams, and visions, and desires. I want to know if there is a way I can help promote, encourage, or support them in whatever it is that God is calling them to do. I want to talk to them about God and how His desire is to bless them. To let them know that He loves them and that He stands waiting with His arms wide open. My prayer is that God will show me when, where, and how to do that and since I believe every word in His word…I know He will.

Rest well, my sister…well done.

Until next time…

Be blessed!