My Cup Overfloweth

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
This version of Psalms 23 keeps coming back to me. I have had this passage memorized since I was in first grade (King James version), but I love this interpretation and these descriptive words. Every time I read this a new part screams for my attention. Amazing how the word of the Lord is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, and pierces hearts and minds since the time it was first written.

^{Psalms 23:}

1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
⁴ Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

HE has taken care of me and I know that I will never have a need unfulfilled. It's nice to know that my worries are pointless.

Rest In Peace

 This last week has had its sad moments. Many lovely memories of people that have passed float through my head. I miss my grandparents, my uncle, and older family friends that have passed on. Thankfully these people had the same faith as I did. They taught me what they knew about God and lived lives glorifying Him. I can't wait to cross those pearly gates, as so many others have, to hug their necks and rejoice with them forever.

Thursdays with Morrie

I missed all of my classes the first week of school (because I decided to stay in Chicago for my uncle's death/wake/funeral) except for my Thursday 9:30 AM class (today). I almost skipped because I had gotten back to town late last night, had not bought any of my books, and had no way to prepare for class. For some reason, I kept feeling a nudge to attend class. I am soooo glad I listened to that "nudge" from the Holy Spirit because we watched the ending of Tuesdays with Morrie.
For those that have not seen it, this movie is about an dying elderly ex-professor teaching the important facts of life to one of his ex-students. I had seen it before in another class, but that did not stop the tears from flowing this time. I kept seeing flashbacks of my uncle and grandfather dying, especially since my uncle's funeral was yesterday. After class, I stayed to talk to my professor about missing class and the tears began to flow again. Thank goodness some sweet stranger gave me a tissue as she waited for her turn to talk with the professor or I don't think I could have finished that conversation. I consider my first day of class a success because I showed up and let God remind me of a few things about death.
This movie has so many profound quotes and life lessons but the one that stuck out the most to me is "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." My uncle died with his wife, children, extended family members and close friends around his bed praying with him and for him as he left this earth. He had people reminiscing of the old times, laughing, joking, crying and touching each other,  and saying thank you to him for living the way he did. Even though he did not want to die and leave his family behind, he knew how to die and where he was heading after death; therefore, he knew how to live.

Who Needs 6 Flags?

This past week(end) has been one of the hardest moments of my life. To briefly state why, I watched my uncle literally fade away from this earth. Even though he has been fighting cancer for 5 years, he went into the hospital thinking a couple of bags of fluid would fix the problem. 

Three days later, Jesus took him HOME, where there is no pain, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. 

Throughout those three days, family members, close friends, business partners and workers, and old friends came to say goodbye and thank you. One minute we would all be laughing as stories were told; the next minute everyone was crying because of some sweet thing said. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! All of those emotions were raw, the real deal; and, all of those emotions were fighting for my time and attention. My emotions continued to tumble, fight, and roll up and down through the wake/funeral. Looking back, I am so thankful that I witnessed his last days here on earth. 

"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol pretty much sums up how my soul is feeling right now. Jesus, can you meet me where I am? Can you lay here with me because all I can think about is soaking in your presence.