Howdy good folks of blogdom ... and other loyal readers!
I've been trying to post about our vacation along the way and since we arrived at Still Waters (what we call our camp/property) but they don't "publish" or "upload" or whatever you would say. I think the problem is that I've had pictures attached to the posts and the band width or speed of the internet connection has not been able to handle the photos. (Seems I've had the same problem with Twitter these days as well.) I plan on rewriting those posts ... and trying to find a different way to post the pictures.
In the mean time ... I will keep bloging on things that I want to write on. It is relaxing to me and enjoyable ... and therefore will be a part of my vacation.
The next post will be on death ... NOT because I have a morbid preoccupation with it. During the Michigan District Convention I returned home to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, to do the funeral for a friend, elder of the congregation, and a tireless worker in the kingdom. As I was being driven home and finishing the meditation for the funeral, I began thinking about how much I hate death. It is an enemy ... the great separator of family and friends here on earth, the separator of one's body and soul (spirit) as well.
I've seen this enemy close at hand ... the death of grandparents, uncles, aunts, of my father-in-law, and others that I've loved greatly within my congregations ... and I have mourned greatly. With Pat I've faced the possibility of death, or of greatly altered life, when son Joel has his brain tumor (with surgery and treatments) and I faced my lymphoma diagnosis (with surgery and subsequent treatments).
There is no doubt that God was with us, that all the promises of God's presence and peace are real. But God is sovereign and He has His purposes and plans, that for the child of God are ALWAYS beneficial and good. Both Joel and I would tell you that we would not wish our diseases/treatments on anyone. But, neither would we trade them. God has made them work for awesome good within our lives.
God is faithful! God is good! God does keep all the promises of His Word. And somehow, it seems, that through difficulties in life, those promises and His presence become more real ... more "alive". God is an ever present help in trouble ... and Jesus will forever remain the resurrection and the life.
So, mind you, I have no irrational fear, no bitterness, towards death.
I understand that it is the inevitable result of sin.
It's just that I hate it!
Please read the next post (above) ... and let me know what you are thinking.
And thanks for your patience ...
PM
