Angels rejoice!

#1 · June 23, 2003, 10:45 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on June 23, 2003, 10:45 pm
Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

Hello Hope Chest friends!

I have a praise report to share! My sister-in-law, Beth, reports that her mother has responded to the Gospel, and verbally affirmed the essential truths of salvation. This took much effort for Ann, since her mouth and nose are covered with a heavy oxygen mask.   We are all at peace knowing that her eternal destiny is secure.   We do not know how much longer she has with us; it could be any time or she could linger a while. It will likely be less than a week. There are so many questions about care options.

Some of the children and I visited her yesterday. Ann enjoyed seeing baby Ben, hold his hand, and stroke his feet. They both chuckled and smiled at each other. My older five daughters each spent a few minutes with her, also.   This was good timing, since she has been much less alert today.

Yesterday morning as the children and I were leaving our church's worship service, I thought to myself, "What do people do in a situation like this when they aren't surrounded by God's people?"   I am so grateful for the ones who have come along side us to pray, offer a hug or a word of encouragement, help with childcare, pass along medical information, and much more. I feel so uplifted during the worship time, singing songs of the One who conquered death, the One to whom all praise is due. Thank you, God, for your church!

Yet, in a time like this, it is also easy for family members to be at odds with one another. It seems like I've reminding various ones (some from my own household, and some not) that we have to respond to the heart cry and not react at the words that not only came out wrong from the other person, but then got misinterpreted even more by us. What is the other person's true concern? How can I use this to make a connection of my life with theirs? We must pull together, or we will pull apart. I found James 3 & 4 to be so instructive to my own life this morning, even as I shared it with others.

Well, that's enough philosophizing. I'll keep you updated as I am able.

Thanks for your persistent prayers and notes of encouragement!

Blessings,

Virginia Knowles

www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

Hello Hope Chest friends!

I have a praise report to share! My sister-in-law, Beth, reports that her mother has responded to the Gospel, and verbally affirmed the essential truths of salvation. This took much effort for Ann, since her mouth and nose are covered with a heavy oxygen mask. We are all at peace knowing that her eternal destiny is secure. We do not know how much longer she has with us; it could be any time or she could linger a while. It will likely be less than a week. There are so many questions about care options.

Some of the children and I visited her yesterday. Ann enjoyed seeing baby Ben, hold his hand, and stroke his feet. They both chuckled and smiled at each other. My older five daughters each spent a few minutes with her, also. This was good timing, since she has been much less alert today.

Yesterday morning as the children and I were leaving our church's worship service, I thought to myself, "What do people do in a situation like this when they aren't surrounded by God's people?" I am so grateful for the ones who have come along side us to pray, offer a hug or a word of encouragement, help with childcare, pass along medical information, and much more. I feel so uplifted during the worship time, singing songs of the One who conquered death, the One to whom all praise is due. Thank you, God, for your church!

Yet, in a time like this, it is also easy for family members to be at odds with one another. It seems like I've reminding various ones (some from my own household, and some not) that we have to respond to the heart cry and not react at the words that not only came out wrong from the other person, but then got misinterpreted even more by us. What is the other person's true concern? How can I use this to make a connection of my life with theirs? We must pull together, or we will pull apart. I found James 3 & 4 to be so instructive to my own life this morning, even as I shared it with others.

Well, that's enough philosophizing. I'll keep you updated as I am able.

Thanks for your persistent prayers and notes of encouragement!

Blessings,

Virginia Knowles

http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html