Personal note

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21

"For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." Ephesians 2:18

These verses gave me much comfort this past couple of weeks. My father died on June 14th. I didn't know him well and he was not a part of my life growing up. He was an alcoholic and had lived much of his life with shame and guilt over the choices he made that affected me and my sister. I had seen him only a few times and had written him several times over the years but never received any communication in return. But the Lord is so good - I was able to attend my aunt's funeral (my fathers sister) back in January of this year and had a long talk with my dad. I told him that I loved him and forgave him. I found out today that was a turning point in his life. He was able to accept my forgiveness and I believe the Holy Spirit was opening his heart up for accepting Jesus' forgiveness and sacrifice. He was filled with shame at the funeral and couldn't stop saying "I'm sorry". I understood at that time how difficult it was for him to try to attempt to have a relationship (with me and my sister) with all the guilt he was living with.

Two weeks before his death he went to live with his sister and she lead him to the Lord! I can not imagine the burden that was lifted from his shoulders but am so thankful that he experienced Christ's love and forgiveness before his death. And what a blessing to know that the Lord of all waited for that perfect time to call my dad home. Now my earthly father is singing praises to his and my Heavenly Father for eternity!

We spread his ashes today at his parents grave site and I told my family how difficult it was to be sad because "If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father for the Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) and I am so happy he is with the Father!