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Thursday, October 30, 2008
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The text for the day is Mark 13:26-27
At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and
gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
The end of times. The end of the world as we know it. What is the difference between death and Christ's return?
You would think that I would be certain in my answer to this particular question. I admit that I am not.
When our bodies die, I understand that it is similar to falling asleep. Our souls go to heaven if we are one of God's
children while our bodies return to the earth they were made of. If this is the case, wouldn't it seem as though we
went to sleep one night and woke up the next morning? In that instant we are with our Savior. I know that there
are differing opinions regarding how all this will happen. The way that I always understood it - according to how I
was taught - what was read in the Bible; our mortal bodies die, our souls go to heaven and when Christ returns He will
gather all of His believers - bodies will rise from the grave to be reunited with their souls, and the people who are still
living will be gathered. We will be judged accordingly. Heaven and earth will pass away and a New Heaven and earth
will take its place. Believers will never be separated from God again. We will have new bodies. We will
never thirst or hunger, we will never hurt, there will be no more tears. We will see our loved ones and live forever
in the presence of our Lord.
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Here it is at 2:11 am and not a wink of sleep in sight. Ah, well. It isn't the first sleepless night and
I have a sneaky suspicion it won't be the last.
I sent my father on his way Wednesday morning. It was good to see him again after all this time. I can't
travel right now with all of my treatments so it's impossible for me to do anything about my homesickness or wanderlust.
It is really hard watching my independence being chipped away at little by little every day. I just have to accept it...
The timing was a little off. Unfortunately, when dad arrived I had just endured 15 days straight of chemotherapy
with two different types of drugs. I was not feeling that great for most of his time here. He was a great sport
about it and sat on the couch next to the love seat that I passed out on. I always feel so bad. I wish that I
could wine and dine him so he wouldn't be so bored. Next time?
The kids were really happy to spend the time with Papa Jack. He took them fishing out back and they really hit
the jackpot with the variety of fish they were able to catch. There were several good sized blue gills, large and small
mouth bass, catfish, carp, and some other tropical species I don't know. After taking photos it was fun to watch the
fish swim away. We are a catch and release kind of family...
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As time goes on and I read my journal, I realize that it really has taken on a new life of its own. My intention
on including a text for the day was strictly for my personal comfort, and to try to understand God, to be closer. I
did not intend to stand on a soap box, become "Preacher Kim", or to tell people how or what to believe in. This particular
format is for me, for my benefit, comfort and knowledge. I don't have all of the answers, I am only human. I hope
no one is offended, it is just my personal journey in life and how I am able to cope better with what has been given me.
I do not mean to sound like a "Bible Thumper", I am a Christian - but am flawed.
There was a time in my life that I dedicated myself to serving in the Church. I wish that physically I could do
this again. At one point I was a Sunday School Teacher, a Whirleybirds Teacher, I was the Choir Director for Summer
Bible School. I studied the New Testament in college at Concordia in St. Paul, Minnesota. I participated in OAFC
- Ongoing Ambassadors For Christ, YAC - Youth Alive in Christ, various bible study classes and I was on my church's Evangelism
Explosion team where we would welcome new people into our congregation, or visit if there was a request. I also played
guitar and piano so I performed some of my original music Sunday Mornings during the service. My sisters would sometimes
join me, along with one of my best friends from high school who is probably the most talented guitar player, ever... (you
can visit his web site at www.stephenbergmusic.com to hear this talented musician/singer/songwriter.) You can also purchase his CD's on his site. Stephen and I
still keep in touch. He has a beautiful wife, Erin, who also is a very talented musician and classically trained vocalist.
They have a great time performing together...
I miss the days when I was so active and involved. I never thought that the time would come so soon that I wouldn't
be able to, or even have the choice of being involved in church. I really enjoyed being part of that.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify
your Father which is in heaven. Matthew
5:16
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