The Easter Season was full of emotion for me this year. The
truth that Christ has Risen has had a different impact in my heart and mind this past week. A dear woman in my life, Judy Beasley, lost her battle
with cancer last Tuesday. Tears still fill my eyes as I think about it.
I first met Judy when I was 16
years old. Back then I was an angry, selfish teenager who was far from living
life God's way. Meeting me today you would never believe the kind of words that
used to come out of my mouth or the friends I used to hang out with on Saturday
nights. I think my big sister, Elizabeth, was trying to steer me in a new
direction when she asked me to fly with her down to Sarasota, FL to surprise
her fiancé, Bob Beasley. Elizabeth and Bob were college sweethearts, and were
getting married in a few months. He graduated a semester early and moved to
Florida for a job and to be near his parents. The few months of separation were
difficult for them, so she was eager to see him. I was just along for a fun time
at the beach.
We stayed at Bob’s parent’s
house, Big Bob and Judy Beasley. At
first I was hesitant in relating with them, because I knew they were Christians
just like Bob. My sister had already become a Christian, and I was not very
happy about it. My guard was up and my heart was hard. But the unexpected
happened. The whole trip Judy loved on me and accepted me right where I was.
She never corrected my language or said an unkind word to me. She just served
me and talked to me in a way I was not used to. After just a few days her love
broke through some of the walls I had up, and for the first time in my life I
became curious about the love of God.
My curiosity sent me on a two
year journey that ultimately led me to accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and
Savior. The seeds of love that Judy planted in my heart eventually grew into a
new life in Christ. God knew exactly what my 16 year-old-self needed, and he
sent Judy Beasley to sow the seeds. How grateful I am for her.
Over the years Judy became like a
second mom to me. Her cards and emails brought warmth and encouragement to the
many seasons of my life. My visits to
Sarasota were special times and memories I hold close to my heart. Hearing the
news last Tuesday that she had gone to be with the Lord was sad and beautiful
all at the same time. I will miss her
terribly, yet I know with full confidence that she is in heaven above dancing
with Jesus. No more pain. No more cancer.
This Easter I experienced the
resurrection in a new way. He has RISEN! Jesus is ALIVE! And because Jesus
is alive…Judy is alive. And because
Jesus is alive...one day I will see Judy again in heaven above. Oh, what a day that will be.
My next verse reminds me of Judy.
She lived out this verse, and it made an eternal impact on my life.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Psalm 63:1-4
ReplyDeleteYou, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek You;
My soul thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen You in the sanctuary,
and beheld Your power and Your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
I will praise You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
(NIV/NASB combo)
I chose these verses because the whole psalm is about a thirsting soul finding satisfaction only in God, and that is what I want - for my soul to find its satisfaction in God alone.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)
ReplyDeleteAnd do everything with love.
This verse is one that the Holy Spirit knew that I needed right now. It seems simple, but the actions and implications are huge. No matter how I feel or what I think, Jesus expects me to live life with love. When you truly look at 1 Corinthians 13, it is no easy task but one I want to attempt - not for my glory but as an act of thanks to my God for loving me first.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4
ReplyDeleteI will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
These are some of the words of the song Moses recited to all the people just before they entered the promised land. When he had finished reciting the song, he said this: Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are NOT JUST IDLE WORDS FOR YOU--THEY ARE YOUR LIFE!!
Jeremiah 24:7
ReplyDeleteI will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord.
I want to have a heart that always desires to know my Lord. How cool is it that HE actually gives us that desire!
Donna Vonfeldt
Psalm 16:5-8
ReplyDeleteLord, you are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
I liked this one because it is a good reminder that it is God that satisfies and in Him I am secure.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) -
ReplyDelete"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
I chose this one for the next couple of weeks because I want to focus on renewing my mind through Scripture and continue to arrange my life around the Lord.
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness if from Me, says the Lord”. Isaiah 54:17
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for God's righteousness and faithfulness to us as His children. It's good to know that we can condemn those who falsely accuse us as His children. I'm fairly certain the time will come when others will falsely accuse us as being an enemy, just because we speak the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, and the Son of God. Let's pray for one another without ceasing; asking God to guide us in the way we should go, and to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Love and God bless,
Sylvia Allen
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purity for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” TITUS 2: 11-15
ReplyDeleteThis pretty much says it all loud and clear. We're so blessed to have the Word of God to help us keep on the right path in life (a lamp unto our feet). How awesome to be redeemed (reconciled to God through Jesus Christ)! May we follow Jesus and share the good news of his salvation with our families and neighbors before Jesus' glorious return to this earth. I hope I live to see that day.... God willin' :)
Love and God Bless,
Sylvia Allen
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 29-32
ReplyDeleteI think this says it all.... Don't worry, be happy :).
Love and God bless,
Sylvia Allen