Sometimes my emotions are stormy, my thoughts can hit like lightening a memory that sparks an emotional whirlwind. For the last few days there has been rain, heavy rain pounding down into the ground, water relentlessly beating down as though demanding entrance. Adamantly storming one day, two days and now three days.
I don't want to venture out because it's pouring; "raining cats and dogs". The weather can have such an effect on us especially when it's raining, it makes one want to stay inside and this can bring a time of introspection.
It just so happens during the last couple of days along with the rain it seems once more my family and I are facing the possibility loss, my dad had to have emergency open heart surgery, a triple by-pass.
Thankfully he pulled through but we all must face the fact that this is his third heart attack, having diabetes and reaching 76 years all adds up to a wake up call, time to go see dad. So, I am looking for tickets and trying to arrange schedules and praying for dad and his family so far away
.
I think of looking into his eyes and hearing his laugh, his contagious laugh and seeing his great smile and it makes me smile too.
We haven't had the time we wanted together but no matter, the time gone by, it is the time in front of us that matters most now. I am praying we all get to see him and spend time with him. So I turn my attention to the truth, he is alive right now and for that I am deeply grateful. It is not a time to mourn, the rain has stopped and I see the sun peeking through.
My dad, Dan O'Connor is a fantastic man, full of ideas and life, a true entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He is one of those larger than life fellows. Never rich in the worlds terms but he sure touches a lot of people. Dad is an encourager, I can hear him say, "Go get'em tiger", or "you can do anything you set your mind to" to my boys Derek and David. He calls my husband fantastic Dan because he says Dan could change the world and you know I think he is right! Than again he would would say that to you too if you met him and you know I think he would be right about that too!
Blessings, Linda
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
when Jesus was speaking to this vast audience He spoke directly to their need, and because His Word is living and active, it speaks to you and me today in just the same way as it did over 2000 years ago, read these precious words:
Blessed are the poor in spirit (one who is broken, who is destitute of spirit) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (A promise with eternal surety)
Blessed are the gentle( the meek and humble, those who have realized they need a Savior and that their own righteousness is not enough), for they shall inherit the earth.This is the new perfect beautiful earth!
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad , for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
These my friends are promises straight from the mouth of Jesus. His perspective was a heavenly, eternal one.
When I start to focus too intensely on the hurts and pains the sufferings of this world I go back to my Lord, His words are life, hope and light. I remember His promises which are sure and true!
This is not the final destination, our home, our eternal home is yet to come for us. God knows it all, He understands our hurt and pain and He is with us through it.
The Lord gave us these promises so that we would not lose heart. Great and awesome things are just on the horizon!
Be blessed and walk in peace and assurance today my friend. God is faithful to complete His promises!
Love, Linda
Blessed are the poor in spirit (one who is broken, who is destitute of spirit) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (A promise with eternal surety)
Blessed are the gentle( the meek and humble, those who have realized they need a Savior and that their own righteousness is not enough), for they shall inherit the earth.This is the new perfect beautiful earth!
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad , for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
These my friends are promises straight from the mouth of Jesus. His perspective was a heavenly, eternal one.
When I start to focus too intensely on the hurts and pains the sufferings of this world I go back to my Lord, His words are life, hope and light. I remember His promises which are sure and true!
This is not the final destination, our home, our eternal home is yet to come for us. God knows it all, He understands our hurt and pain and He is with us through it.
The Lord gave us these promises so that we would not lose heart. Great and awesome things are just on the horizon!
Be blessed and walk in peace and assurance today my friend. God is faithful to complete His promises!
Love, Linda
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Every day matters!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life... what I choose to do with it is up to me. Life doesn't happen to me, I am in control of how I react or how I choose to deal with situations.
When I have a dream like I did last night; a dream about DJ and it isn't the best dream I can choose to dwell on the dream or I can choose to dismiss it and purposely set my mind on the truth. Yes there it is again, truth. You will see this word, this very profound word again and again throughout my writings. God's truth is my foundation and my plumb-line. If it doesn't line up I throw it out.
King David and then King Solomon said knowledge puffs up but wisdom gives life! Wisdom is from God He alone is Creator and Sustainer, no one tells God what to do, He doesn't inquire of me or you, He isn't perplexed over anyone or any situation. He is GOD Almighty. He is Abba, Papa, Daddy and He knows what we are facing even right at this moment in time, He is present and He is willing to comfort, to change wrong thinking to reveal truth to set us free. God continually calls to us; "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest". Rest doesn't that sound good?
Yes Papa, I will rest in You today because I know You are Faithful and True! I love You, Linda
When I have a dream like I did last night; a dream about DJ and it isn't the best dream I can choose to dwell on the dream or I can choose to dismiss it and purposely set my mind on the truth. Yes there it is again, truth. You will see this word, this very profound word again and again throughout my writings. God's truth is my foundation and my plumb-line. If it doesn't line up I throw it out.
King David and then King Solomon said knowledge puffs up but wisdom gives life! Wisdom is from God He alone is Creator and Sustainer, no one tells God what to do, He doesn't inquire of me or you, He isn't perplexed over anyone or any situation. He is GOD Almighty. He is Abba, Papa, Daddy and He knows what we are facing even right at this moment in time, He is present and He is willing to comfort, to change wrong thinking to reveal truth to set us free. God continually calls to us; "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest". Rest doesn't that sound good?
Yes Papa, I will rest in You today because I know You are Faithful and True! I love You, Linda
Thursday, August 5, 2010
When my heart aches...
Some times I just miss him, my desire to see DJ again, to hear him, to touch him. I miss him and my heart aches.
The day was fine in fact it was a good, productive and lively, an all around good day! I came home and suddenly realized that I missed my dog Abby who used to great me every time I came through the door no matter how many times a day. Abby left us just two months ago, she was a part of our family for 16 years. I walked up the stairs and into my room, hello's were spoken to Dan and Dave and I changed into Pj's and then realized, I miss Abby but I also miss my Deej. I wish I could walk into his room and sit on the bed and talk to him I thought, sadness filled my heart and tears my eyes. I tried to shake it off and start thinking of tasks but as I went to the kitchen to begin dinner I remembered how this has happened before; relating one loss to another, it was Derek our oldest son.
When Derek moved out four years ago I felt that same sense of loss, I worked very hard to ensure Derek didn't feel my sadness after all going away to college is fun and exciting and I wanted to make sure he didn't feel the depth of sadness I was feeling. I tried my best, I thought of every great aspect of Derek beginning his new life, spreading his wings and I really was excited and happy for him but oh my it was a huge emotional hurdle for me and I know it was a challenging time in reality for all of us. The first month was ok, even though I cried like every mom the day we brought him to the dorm and said our good-byes. I really missed him, just knowing he was sleeping in his bed gave me a deep sense of peace at night and now I had to work really hard when I started feeling like he was "gone" to remember he was just at college, not gone as in never to see him on earth. I had to speak the truth to myself.
I remember one day though about eight months after Derek had gone to college. I didn't hear from him for about a month and then he called and said "hi mom" and I lost it! I cried and cried, poor Derek my precious tender hearted son said, "mom I'm coming home this weekend!". It was almost comical because as soon as he said those words I realized I was transferring my grief my sense of loss from deep within my heart to Derek because he was away at college, and I started apologizing and saying, "no, I'm really fine you don't need to come home". He came home anyway and just held me when he came through the door, I cried and he said, "mom, I miss you too it's ok, you don't have to apologize for missing me."
I guess this entire blog is about real life - Grief is in my heart because I love my DJ and I always will, I do miss him and when other events in life happen they perhaps evoke emotions from deep within. I don't stay in this place, I certainly don't walk around thinking of how much I miss DJ every day but the truth is for the rest of my life here on earth I will miss him, Dan will miss him and his brothers will think of the place DJ should be. Life itself will remind all of us of his absence.
We continue on though, we live life and look forward to the future. I am excited for Derek and for David and REALLY look forward to the days ahead for them, marriage, families it will be so very sweet and during those times a part of me will miss DJ that is just the truth. I will remember DJ is very aware of all that is happening here on earth and will be celebrating right along with us, he will be cheering us on!
I will hold onto the truths that I know from God's word, His promises and rest in His Faithfulness. One day we will be reunited and all will be well and for now I can say, it is well with my soul.
The day was fine in fact it was a good, productive and lively, an all around good day! I came home and suddenly realized that I missed my dog Abby who used to great me every time I came through the door no matter how many times a day. Abby left us just two months ago, she was a part of our family for 16 years. I walked up the stairs and into my room, hello's were spoken to Dan and Dave and I changed into Pj's and then realized, I miss Abby but I also miss my Deej. I wish I could walk into his room and sit on the bed and talk to him I thought, sadness filled my heart and tears my eyes. I tried to shake it off and start thinking of tasks but as I went to the kitchen to begin dinner I remembered how this has happened before; relating one loss to another, it was Derek our oldest son.
When Derek moved out four years ago I felt that same sense of loss, I worked very hard to ensure Derek didn't feel my sadness after all going away to college is fun and exciting and I wanted to make sure he didn't feel the depth of sadness I was feeling. I tried my best, I thought of every great aspect of Derek beginning his new life, spreading his wings and I really was excited and happy for him but oh my it was a huge emotional hurdle for me and I know it was a challenging time in reality for all of us. The first month was ok, even though I cried like every mom the day we brought him to the dorm and said our good-byes. I really missed him, just knowing he was sleeping in his bed gave me a deep sense of peace at night and now I had to work really hard when I started feeling like he was "gone" to remember he was just at college, not gone as in never to see him on earth. I had to speak the truth to myself.
I remember one day though about eight months after Derek had gone to college. I didn't hear from him for about a month and then he called and said "hi mom" and I lost it! I cried and cried, poor Derek my precious tender hearted son said, "mom I'm coming home this weekend!". It was almost comical because as soon as he said those words I realized I was transferring my grief my sense of loss from deep within my heart to Derek because he was away at college, and I started apologizing and saying, "no, I'm really fine you don't need to come home". He came home anyway and just held me when he came through the door, I cried and he said, "mom, I miss you too it's ok, you don't have to apologize for missing me."
I guess this entire blog is about real life - Grief is in my heart because I love my DJ and I always will, I do miss him and when other events in life happen they perhaps evoke emotions from deep within. I don't stay in this place, I certainly don't walk around thinking of how much I miss DJ every day but the truth is for the rest of my life here on earth I will miss him, Dan will miss him and his brothers will think of the place DJ should be. Life itself will remind all of us of his absence.
We continue on though, we live life and look forward to the future. I am excited for Derek and for David and REALLY look forward to the days ahead for them, marriage, families it will be so very sweet and during those times a part of me will miss DJ that is just the truth. I will remember DJ is very aware of all that is happening here on earth and will be celebrating right along with us, he will be cheering us on!
I will hold onto the truths that I know from God's word, His promises and rest in His Faithfulness. One day we will be reunited and all will be well and for now I can say, it is well with my soul.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We have hope!
Today we may face trials and hardship we may be walking through grief. Everyone on the face of the earth goes through hardship and loss it doesn't matter where you are from what culture the color of your skin it doesn't change based on whether you are rich or poor. This world Jesus said, is full of trials, but He said,"have no fear for I have overcome the world."
What did Jesus mean by this incredible statement? There is so much packed in to that one little sentence.This world... have no fear....
First of all Jesus was saying this world has troubles, problems heartaches, temptations. because the world we live in is not our perfected home and instead is under the curse of sin, there is sickness and death, there are people who are so filled with evil that they commit terrible acts of violence against innocent people. Children are abused, husbands and wives are unfaithful to each other this world is filled with trouble just turn the news on! Earthquakes and tsunamis, famine and floods suffering all over the world.
Here is the same verse taken from the Amplified version of the Bible which gives a more complete interpretation from the Greek to the English - "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! for I have overcome the world". [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33
When Jesus went to the cross it was to pay for the sin (all the sin) of the world, don't forget that the consequences for sin is death, When Jesus died He paid the price for all sin for all time so that there is no longer punishment for sin, Jesus took all the punishment on Himself for us. It is done it is finished! When Jesus died He did not stay on the cross or in the tomb, on the third day He rose, seen by many, many witnesses. What this showed is that Jesus overcame death! When we accepted Jesus as the One who paid the price for our own sin, we step into His everlasting eternal life, we are sealed with the Holy spirit of God and we became as Paul the Apostle said, "More then overcomer's by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony".
So no matter what this world holds for us we can never be separated from the love of God. We have become spiritually alive with Christ and Jesus has made us righteous. We have eternal life and this world is no longer "our home" but we join with the great men and women of Faith listed in Hebrews who looked past this world to the one to come realizing their stay here was short. While our time on earth as a Christian is extremely important it is not the end of the journey, when our bodies die here on earth we are very much alive in the heavenlies where the Glory of God is fully revealed, where our loved ones are and where we see our precious awesome incredible Savior Jesus face to face! Just thinking of looking into His eyes makes my heart beat quicken. Oh the wonders and the unsurpassed greatness that awaits us! Praise God anything this world gives to us is nothing compared to the treasures of heaven!
We do not have to walk in fear because our Jesus has conquered death, He conquered the power of sin and we have come into a right relationship with our Father, God through His Son Jesus Christ, we have been filled with His Spirit and been fully redeemed! Death has no power over us! We go from life to life!
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-16
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:17-19
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-6
So, you see we must remember who we are in Christ and what He has done for us also where we are going and even where our loved one is right now. Then when the evil one tries to feed you a lie you can stand confidently on the truth - Perfect love casts out fear!
Blessings of love and peace!
Linda
What did Jesus mean by this incredible statement? There is so much packed in to that one little sentence.This world... have no fear....
First of all Jesus was saying this world has troubles, problems heartaches, temptations. because the world we live in is not our perfected home and instead is under the curse of sin, there is sickness and death, there are people who are so filled with evil that they commit terrible acts of violence against innocent people. Children are abused, husbands and wives are unfaithful to each other this world is filled with trouble just turn the news on! Earthquakes and tsunamis, famine and floods suffering all over the world.
Here is the same verse taken from the Amplified version of the Bible which gives a more complete interpretation from the Greek to the English - "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! for I have overcome the world". [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33
When Jesus went to the cross it was to pay for the sin (all the sin) of the world, don't forget that the consequences for sin is death, When Jesus died He paid the price for all sin for all time so that there is no longer punishment for sin, Jesus took all the punishment on Himself for us. It is done it is finished! When Jesus died He did not stay on the cross or in the tomb, on the third day He rose, seen by many, many witnesses. What this showed is that Jesus overcame death! When we accepted Jesus as the One who paid the price for our own sin, we step into His everlasting eternal life, we are sealed with the Holy spirit of God and we became as Paul the Apostle said, "More then overcomer's by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony".
So no matter what this world holds for us we can never be separated from the love of God. We have become spiritually alive with Christ and Jesus has made us righteous. We have eternal life and this world is no longer "our home" but we join with the great men and women of Faith listed in Hebrews who looked past this world to the one to come realizing their stay here was short. While our time on earth as a Christian is extremely important it is not the end of the journey, when our bodies die here on earth we are very much alive in the heavenlies where the Glory of God is fully revealed, where our loved ones are and where we see our precious awesome incredible Savior Jesus face to face! Just thinking of looking into His eyes makes my heart beat quicken. Oh the wonders and the unsurpassed greatness that awaits us! Praise God anything this world gives to us is nothing compared to the treasures of heaven!
We do not have to walk in fear because our Jesus has conquered death, He conquered the power of sin and we have come into a right relationship with our Father, God through His Son Jesus Christ, we have been filled with His Spirit and been fully redeemed! Death has no power over us! We go from life to life!
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-16
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:17-19
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-6
So, you see we must remember who we are in Christ and what He has done for us also where we are going and even where our loved one is right now. Then when the evil one tries to feed you a lie you can stand confidently on the truth - Perfect love casts out fear!
Blessings of love and peace!
Linda
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Our citizenship is in Heaven
For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20
What is Heaven like, Lord? I fear I do not know, I dream of a beautiful, wondrous place where all will see you face to face! I dream of a castle rising high and of cities shining bright and majestic. Awestruck I walk amazed, enjoyment overflowing. I hope for a place beyond my dreams, where angels will someday take me. I’ll meet my Savior Jesus on a golden street, we will embrace He will tenderly call my name, His eyes will captivate my heart, His smile fill me with delight. Then He will lead me by the hand and I will see him, my beautiful son, DJ strong and bold. My soul longs for your arms wrapped around me, my spirit is filled with delight at the thought. Till then I wait, I hope and dream, home, yes home, I know this place; it’s been in my heart all along, beautiful and wondrous, home where I belong.
Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1John 3:2)
New Bodies:
(1Corinthians 15:49) And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the Man from Heaven.
1Thessalonians 3:14 For if we believe that that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to by way of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep (died) For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort each other with these words.
Isn't it great, awesome and wonderfully incomprehensible that we will (our bodies) rise up from the grave when Christ returns, our bodies will be transformed into our perfect bodies and meet and join with our spirit/soul and so we will be complete and perfect! We are not just spirits floating around in Heaven though, the saints that have gone before us are recognizable.
Heaven is real, a real actual place! Praise God we have so much to look forward to!
Taken as an excerpt from my book, "From Mourning to morning".
Blessings and peace to you, Linda
What is Heaven like, Lord? I fear I do not know, I dream of a beautiful, wondrous place where all will see you face to face! I dream of a castle rising high and of cities shining bright and majestic. Awestruck I walk amazed, enjoyment overflowing. I hope for a place beyond my dreams, where angels will someday take me. I’ll meet my Savior Jesus on a golden street, we will embrace He will tenderly call my name, His eyes will captivate my heart, His smile fill me with delight. Then He will lead me by the hand and I will see him, my beautiful son, DJ strong and bold. My soul longs for your arms wrapped around me, my spirit is filled with delight at the thought. Till then I wait, I hope and dream, home, yes home, I know this place; it’s been in my heart all along, beautiful and wondrous, home where I belong.
Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1John 3:2)
New Bodies:
(1Corinthians 15:49) And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the Man from Heaven.
1Thessalonians 3:14 For if we believe that that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to by way of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep (died) For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort each other with these words.
Isn't it great, awesome and wonderfully incomprehensible that we will (our bodies) rise up from the grave when Christ returns, our bodies will be transformed into our perfect bodies and meet and join with our spirit/soul and so we will be complete and perfect! We are not just spirits floating around in Heaven though, the saints that have gone before us are recognizable.
Heaven is real, a real actual place! Praise God we have so much to look forward to!
Taken as an excerpt from my book, "From Mourning to morning".
Blessings and peace to you, Linda
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