Familiar Stranger

I recently went to the funeral of my friend's dad, although I never met him. I walked into the funeral home and found my seat. And then I get this comfortable, easy (sort of) feeling. I can't really describe it. Maybe it was the parlor itself, or just the peaceful atmosphere, I don't really know. But, I sat and listened to people talk about this man. This man was the kind of man who made every stranger a friend. You know the kind... always smiling, no one gets left out, easy to talk to and be around? His life was a tremendous testimony to God. He shared his faith boldly with everyone. He loved you before he even got to know you. He prayed for everyone he knew. Now, I don't believe that the dead linger in this world, despite how many Dean Koontz books I read. But somehow it just seemed like the life and energy that this man had was felt in the parlor of the funeral home - BEFORE the funeral started. Looking back, I know it was God's presence. I've certainly felt God's presence before, but it's usually after spending time with Him. This time, I really felt His presence from the moment I sat down. To live a life like this man did, to make such an impact on people that you still feel the presence of the Almighty God surrounding you as you enter the funeral of one of His saints - I want that.

Emotional Day

My life seems so busy right now. I realized I haven't written anything since June, so I'm changing that now. I've been praying for family and friends in Louisiana who have been affected by the storm system that has just hovered and dropped tons of rain. Now there's street flooding, and homes are flooded. I'm so very thankful that it's just things that are ruined and that they still have their lives.

The rain moved on over to us, and we had flooding on our street this morning. It made us late getting to church, but we finally did. Church started. Our praise team played. I worshiped God and my heart was so full. The last song before the sermon was the newer version of Amazing Grace. Memories of Kayla flooded my mind and I just couldn't sing. I found myself thinking of her funeral. I remember sitting there, facing her casket, when this amazing voice starts singing Amazing Grace acapella. It was so beautiful and so powerful at that moment. And then it seemed like every church service I attended after that, had that particular song on their playlist for every single service. Of course it wasn't that often, but it sure felt like it. I used to get so emotional that I would walk out of the auditorium whenever that song started.  It took me a long time just to be in a room without breaking down or needing a tissue when that song was played. And then today, I found myself again overwhelmed with emotion and grateful for the years Kayla had with us. She blessed our hearts in ways that I can't even describe. She was a remarkable person and loved by all who met her.

Oh, I forgot to say... I gave my 2 week notice 5 weeks ago. :0  I've worked in our church office for the last 11 years and 4 months. Today my pastor announced that I was resigning my position, which only added to the emotion. My hubby wants me to be at home more, and I want that as well. It will allow him to travel more with his job, and I get to go with him! Our baby graduated high school this year so we don't have to worry about school schedules, house sitters, or dog sitters. I'm looking forward to many new adventures!