By
Sharon Tomlinson
With Sandy’s
permission, I have strayed a bit from the normal devotional format. I would like
to do a tribute of sorts to those loved ones who have passed from this life.
Many have lost loved ones around this time of year and
it’s a bittersweet
time for some.
I lost my mother December 10,
2002. My dad, my sister and my brother-in-law all died in the month of December of different years.
I have chosen Psalm 127 to use with this devotional message because
of the family connection:
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of
the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the
hand of a mighty man,
so are children of the youth. Happy is the
man that hath his quiver
full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the
enemies in the gate.” (Verses 3-5)
What memories can be sweeter than
children and family?
For the past few days, I have been looking through my photos, remembering times I have
shared with my family¦
· Christmas,
· weddings,
· births,
· birthdays,
· reunions,
· children
in various school plays,
· family
photos that have changed through the years because of divorces and
death.
In past years we went home for
Christmas, but our home will never be the same since Mama isn’t there. It
gives me comfort to remember this world is really not my home. A song
comes to mind¦
“This world is not my home
I’m just a passing through,
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue”
We have hope that we will all meet
again and be together for eternity IF we are children of God.
My mother was a wonderful example of
a godly woman. She had six children and her hope for each of us was
simple. She desired that we would become Christians (all of us are) and
that we would be faithful until death.
Since I’m the only child who lives
several hours away from home, my brothers and sisters made the final
arrangements for Mama. My sister called and said the casket had a section
in the top that could be engraved. She asked if I would like to choose the
inscription that would go there.
It only took me a short time to
decide what that would be! My daughter had made me a bookmark which I keep
in one of my Bibles. It has the following verse: “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs
31:28) That was the perfect farewell
message in memory of a blessed mother.
(Every woman would benefit from reading proverbs 31)
In memory of my sweet mother, Mae
Barnes 1911 - 2002 (the dash is the important part)
Tribute to sister Mae Barnes on her 85th birthday
Though her hair has turned to silver,
And her step has slowed its pace;
She has lost none of her splendor,
Nor zeal in the Christian race.
Though her body is weary of the burdens of life,
And her hand unsteady with age;
The years have not dampened her spirit,
Nor darkened a single page.
Her burdens she has carried,
And patiently borne from day to day;
These have only served to strengthen,
And bring hope for a better day.
She has lived and loved for eighty five years,
And to her these are but few;
The sunshine of her life has brightened,
The way God planned for me and you.
Her life is filled with virtue,
Faith has been her constant guide;
The kingdom of God within her,
And Christ Jesus at her side.
Her children call her blessed,
And her friends join in with cheer;
All who know her, love her,
And wish for her many more delightful years.
by: Leslie Sloan
To
ISBS Ladies Daily Devotional
12/10/04
............Article 124............
Back
to: I.S.B.S. Ladies Daily Devo. Archives