Beautiful Exchange

Pour Your love on me Father....like praises from perfume....

for I was lost and insecure.... but mercy falls...

And I am reminded of my redemption.

Perfection in Your eyes...

it was a Beautiful Exchange...

Amen Father....

Faith

Hebrews 11:1 Faith

When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly ~~ Patrick Overton

Happily Ever After

Once upon a time…..

The End….

And somewhere in there is a Happily Ever After?

Well, if our life was that uneventful… what would we say or feel each day? But, isn’t that what we want? To live life on our terms? Our prayers to Papa what do they sound like? I have asked for boring...long enough to catch my breath.

I have heard many say, me included, if I could just live on the mountain top with Jesus… always. But then how would I learn? If I was happy and never encountering any sorrow, how would I appreciate the happy?

I heard the words so many years ago; I would never have children. I lived with that heartache as a barren woman. So you must know that when I learned I was pregnant, my joy was beyond the mountain top. My children are more than precious to me; they are God’s greatest gifts.

Life on the mountain top…

Walk on the shores of the beach; maybe, just maybe touch our toes to the water—Afraid to go into the waters? Deep into the waters where we can immerse ourselves in the warm water and let the Sun beat down on us --warming everything within us. The contrast…is ecstasy-- If we choose.

Life on the mountain top…

We walk out of Church. It was a heavenly worship. We feel good. Never let this feeling end. Someone cuts us off in traffic and we are back in the Valley.

Life is a series of Mountain Top moments and Valley experiences.

One thing I have learned, I learn more in the Valley and I am healed on the Mountain top—where my Jesus is with me --in both places.

Always

And this is where our Happy Ever After awaits us.

God-- Let It Rain

Friends...blogger s and non-blogger s....I cannot begin to tell you how much your words have encouraged me... and the fact that through you... God has given me a beautiful pearl...Pearls of Wisdom.. which I have never quite understood personally before now...

Yes, my disappoint is God's appointment as Karin said... and the others... talking about God's plan... you are so right.. but I needed to be reminded of it... I lost sight... so thank you... Melli, Julie, Denise, Tracy and Nancy....and others...ya know who you are...

When I was young, my dad and I would walk side by side, and he would say, 'If you don't slow down, you'll never catch a man." I would rebuttal with, "Dad, I'll just marry someone with long legs."

And I did...

But the sad thing ... I have always walked ahead of God... in every situation... and it got gets me in more trouble!

I also loved what Karin wrote,,, If you don't get rained on, you can't grow...

So God bring on the rain...And let me play in the puddles

I AM WOMAN

(Proverbs 31:17 " She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.")


I am a woman. You and I as woman face unique obstacles along our journey. Just read Proverbs 31. The first time I read Proverbs 31, I had to breathe, count to ten (or was it 100) then reread it and realize it came from God.

Let's admit, OK, let me admit--- I don't do the whole submission thing very well. In any area of my life. Just ask my husband... No, may not... that would be like opening Pandora's box.

But back to life, it does seem like I involuntarily signed up for the Olympic Hurdles of Daily Living. Interestingly, I detested hurdles in track and field while in school. I made up ever excuse in the world to get out of them. The best one was pure and simple truth, I was a klutz.

The recent hurdle in my life has left me once again standing up after a fall to assess my wounds, wipe away my tears and remind God that I do not like hurdles. Everyone around me keeps on going, knocking me in the shoulder as a reminder to get up and go.

A friend just sent me a beautiful card that I want to share. Interesting it is called, Strong Women.

Strong women are those who know the road ahead will be shrew with obstacles, but they still choose to walk it because it's the right one for them.

Strong women are those who make mistakes, who admit to them , learn from those failures, and then use that knowledge.

Strong women are easily hurt, but they still extend their hearts and hands, knowing the risk and accepting the pain when it comes.

Strong women are sometimes beat down by life, but they stand back up and step forward again.

Strong women are afraid. They face fear and move ahead to the future, as uncertain as it can be.

Strong women are not those who succeed the first time. They're the ones who fail time and time again, but still keep trying until they succeed.

Strong women face the daily trails of life, sometimes with a tear, but always with their heads held high as the new day dawns... Brenda Hager....

And I am proud.. . for I am woman!!!

Sibling Rilvary- The Story of an Older Sister

("...pray for one another...") James 5:16

Growing up as the oldest child with only one other sister, we was bound to have the occasional fights and disagreements known as "Sibling rivalry." Even the well known family Leave It To Beaver had their share of the Walley and the Bev fights.

My dad loved to tell the stories on me where he looked in the rear view mirror of his car and saw me with a balled up fist threatening the dear life of my so-called poor innocent baby sister.

Whatever! I'm sure I thought poor baby as I pinched her hard on the leg.

"I'm telling dad on you," she would cry out.

Then the plea bargaining began. Never mind she started the whole thing by drawing an imaginary line on the back seat of the car telling me not to cross it. And somehow the line was always way over on my side. Man could my sister push my buttons. How dare her set boundaries with me.

She just didn't understand the unspoken hierarchy of the oldest child. We are not to be challenged. Period. End of discussion.

Looking back, I guess this was all in preparation for the day we faced true villains and those that were not vested in love for us. At least with my sister, we always made up and I always loved (love)her.

Now let us fast forward a few decades. OK, maybe a few more than a few. The Bully from school keeps popping up year after year. They just have a different name and a different face but they continue to wreck havoc on our life. They smile to your face but the minute you turn away, they work hard to draw the line on the back seat and forget to tell you.

Can I get a hallelujah?

The good news is that we are all brought together for a purpose. We are all one. God made us this way. For His ultimate purpose. We complete each other, corny as it sounds. Where I having missing spots needing love, you fill them. And vice versa. So why not take care of every part of your body?

Instead of yelling, "I'm going to tell Papa."

Yes, it's painful... whoever said sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me... was nuts... I'd choose a broken bone over hurtful words any day of the week.. Hurtful words leave scars that never go away. But these words will only define us if we let them.

Remember each one of us is a star in the Heavens. Sometimes we shine with the rest, some times we twinkle alone and sometimes, when we least expect it, we make someone else's dream come true.

We always want to pray for our hurt part (the other person) until we get better or the pain is gone.

And when all else fails.....Smile -- it scares people!!!

Update on Celeste 2

"'My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Life is a journey... Not a destination...

Please continue to lift Celeste and Dale up in prayers...

Celeste was put on Hospice today... Her cancer has advanced and now their wishes are to keep her comfortable...in her remaining days.

She desires to live to see her 40th birthday which is in just a few weeks...

I look back at how much Celeste has changed Dale's life... she is a true God-send to him. I can see her purpose there although God may see it in so many other things. I see her as a beautiful child of God that has been faithful to Him in many ways. Now she continues to hold on.... onto HIS endearing love.

I ask you to please pray for Dale... and for Celeste that she may experience a supernatural peace and comfort... that surpasses all understanding... but we know....where it comes from...not the medicine... not the disease... but from GOD Himself.

I thank you God -- for Celeste and her life.... her legacy!

There is NO God

(Psalm 53:1-2) “The fool says in his heart, there is no God."

How do we take hold of the breeze as it passes through our fingers? Does the wind in fact exist?

Or how do we measure the love of a parent; as we embrace the precious moments for the first time as our eyes meet a tiny part of us; less than a miracle?

And how do we taste the warmth of the Sun;
Or see the wind as it blows the trees?
Do we hear the smile of a child?

What does it feel like to have our hearts break at the loss of a loved one?

We do not see the wind, but its effects are sometimes everlasting. And our happiness as well as sadness touches the core of our being as it affects our life’s most cherished moments filled with joy and sorrow.

But to the ones whose heart runs cold; sheltered by the countless storms; we cry in the night, “Don’t ignore my tears. For I am Your guest—a traveler passing through…” (Psalm39:12)

Such “The fool says, There is no God---“(Psalm 53:1) I am on this journey alone. I am my own god.

And when the storms and the winds rock our life and we seek shelter from the unseen, it is under His wing that we finally seek refuge. (Ruth 2:12)

Whose House is this that I should refuse and disrespect while I am here?

And when the winds of the storm die down and we start out on our own passage once again, shall we sign Your guest book? (Jn3:16) For we never know when our names may be read. (Rev 21:27)

"I Am" so you don't have to....the hard part is done.

Thinking Of You... Love Dad

This is a special week... For one year ago, my dad went Home.



A lot of roads have been traveled and I can tell you ...



"God is good, God is Great!"



Oh, I miss my dad, dearly... but I would never have learned or seen what I have seen had this road not been traveled. Don't get me wrong. I would have rather learned another way but God being resourceful as He is... uses every opportunity to teach us of His love.


You see... "I was blind and now I see"

Hours before my dad passed away this time last year, in this devotional last year, I woke to a military plane flying over my home. It shook the foundation. Never before nor since have I experienced this sound or sight.

That was until today.

As I was preparing to write this post, my home shook and that all-to-familiar sound brought tears to my eyes. I ran outside to witness this sacred moment.

No one really understanding the significance but that is OK. This can be just between me, dad and God. Well, OK now you guys!!

As I stood in the winter cold, shivering from the gray clouds promising its own tears, I searched the sky but there was not a plane to be found--anywhere! The sound had appeared to be coming from directly over my home. But the sound left as quickly as it came.

I am left with a transcending peace:
Almost as if my dad were saying, "Here I am...thinking of you!"

And a Papa saying... I will never leave you nor forsake you...

Even in the midst of a terrible storm...

God Tucks His Little Ones Into Bed

"When I think my bed will comfort me" (Job 7:13)

I was lying in bed praying for my family as I do every night. I was thinking about my daughter that is away at school and I couldn’t get her off my mind. I remembered back when she was little and the special moments when I would tuck her into bed.

I tossed and turned for a long time that evening but the Holy Spirit kept tugging at my heart. I finally decided to get out of bed and just call my daughter. It was almost 11:00p.m., but I was sure she would still be awake. Good ol’ college life, this had to be early, right?!

She answered on the first ring, “Are you alright, mom?” She knows that 99% of the time I am long asleep at this point. Yes darling’, I am just fine but I was just thinking about you.

“Uh huh.” Mumbles my daughter.

“I really wanted to tell you how much I love you and I want you to consider this your bedtime tucking in like I used to do when you were a little girl.” And I kind of snickered.

(Silence.) I thought maybe she hung up on me.

“Sweet heart, are you there?” I asked.

“Yes, mom but you will never believe this. I was lying in the bed, praying and wishing you were here to tuck me in the bed like you used to when I was a little girl.

“WOW”, we both said at the same time.(God is so good, ALL THE TIME.)

That night, I tucked in my baby girl as she prayed for her momma via airspace…

God’s Angels heard the call of a tender spirit that has not outgrown the love of her mom.

In the same sense, do we ever outgrow the need for the love of our Heavenly Father?

Mary Had A Little Lamb

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! "(John 1:29)

Mary had a little lamb,

who grew up to be a shephard...

His name is...Jesus

And because of Him, we now are

A Choir Of Angels

"...He will never leave you nor forsake you."(Deut 31:6)

The past few days have been hard. I have lost a long time patient that grew close to my heart.

You see, several years ago she lost the ability to speak. So she talked to me with her eyes. And they spoke volumes, they spoke love. And oh, that beautiful smile of hers.

Last week she took my hand, squeezed it and uttered, “I love you.” I knew then she would not be with us much longer. That was her “Good-bye.”

My last words were I will take care of you. And I kept my promise. I kept her vigil. She died peacefully.

I prayed… or was it Him…Jesus?

I have another patient that I have drawn so close to. She took a turn for the worse last night. (When it rains, it pours.) I made her a promise, “I will take care of you.” ( a little pattern here.)

This morning her eyes said it all, “I’m ready to go.” But I don’t want her to, in my own selfishness. She kept smiling and comforted me and her daughter. Something definitely wrong with this picture. I’m the Hospice Nurse, right?

I will keep my promise. I will now go on call 24/7 for her. I will….. oh… Jesus will… right, I am only a vessel of His Almighty…

Last night, one of our patients passed. The daughter was asleep. She awoke to the most beautiful sounding choir of music she had ever heard. She really could not articulate the sound of music she was hearing. It was unique, it was exquisite.

She went through the house looking for the radio playing the music. Nothing was on, not even the TV. She came to her mom’s room. There she stood and what she saw took her breath for she saw that her mom had gone home with Jesus.

The Choir of Angels had come to get her. And she had been a witness to her Saviors loving return.

"Yes, I will take care of you", sayeth the Lord. (Deut 31:6)

Fight Like Hell To Stay Out of Hell

(Matthew 7:1-2) “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged…”

In my recent post, The Hourglass of Time, there was discussion by several people at work and those whom I told the story to, regarding this woman’s fate; “Well, she had a choice anyway, she was mean so maybe she deserved eternity in Hell.”

These words make me wince with sadness.

Do we not all know someone that fit this woman’s destiny?

First of all, I do not deserve God’s glory and mercy.

But that is not what I want to share in this post. Let me share a personal story which I can do at this point in my life. Why? Because of God’s forgiveness. And just maybe someone out there will read this and have a change of heart of a situation.

I didn’t grow up in the best of circumstances. My mom now admits that our lives could have been better and I’ll just leave it at that. It has taken my sister and me a long time to recover but we have and we do love our mom. We are survivors. But more importantly, we are Christians.

We have prayed for so long for our mom's salvation. We have prayed for her to know Jesus Christ.

And just what if?

What if someone that did not know our situation, came along and said, “Well, she deserves eternity in Hell?”

What if whoever comes in the path of my mom’s life decides not to fight like “Hell” to keep her out of the pits of Hell!

I think about my mom and how her life must have been as a child, her own pain, hurts and insecurities. And now, I see her through the eyes of my Jesus. The view is contrastingly different.

Who are we to judge? As I see it, Jesus is looking down on His children, praying, calling and asking all of us to fight for every last one of His children.

Our job is not to judge but too gather up every last child through love NOT through threats and empty promises.

How?

Oh, we can’t do it. But our Lord can. And all we have to do if allow Him to flow through us. We are His vessels.

To see our Redeemer in the flesh, to feel His breath, to know He lives ....yes...!!

As I live a forgiven life….. And love a mom given to me by God…. a new freedom.

It's there for all of us.


Mom, I am not giving up on you…I love you
(John 14:6) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.... No other way....

And I would extend my prayers to all my prayers warriors for my mom....With God all things are possible....


Just a note to all my blogging friends...I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate everyone of you... your prayers and your encouragement... You are true friends and I love you all...

The Hourglass Of Time--God or Satan

“I need to go now”, cried one of my peers. One of our patients is in trouble. She is declining rapidly and today she is in the darkest place of her life.

“Satan is after me”, she cried! This poor woman continued to beg for help.

No, she is not saved. She had led a pretty tumultuous life. Oh, some might say she was meaner than a striped rattlesnake. Come to think of it, her own son said, “She had Satan in her.” Our pastor had been out there numerous times to discuss her spiritual “issues”. But as most of us, “I’ll just handle this tomorrow.”

So, what happens when tomorrow comes? The hourglass of time runs out?

Today, her cries were just piercing to the soul as well as heart-wrenching. She pleaded for help. “Get him away, Satan is after me.”

As my peer left to go to her house, I said, “I will be praying for you as you minister to her in this raging war you are embarking upon.

Immediately, I picked up the phone to get others to pray. I cannot imagine losing her (or anyone) to Satan.” I called my husband without giving away her name (rules of confidentiality), and I said, “Please start praying.” And there were others. (Matthew 18:20)

My heart was so heavy all afternoon. I prayed without ceasing. The seconds became minutes and the minutes became hours.”God, You are the God of miracles.”(Like He doesn't already know this) but I kept saying this over and over. And I believe it!

Later, I received a phone call, “How did it go?” I immediately said as I saw her name pop up on my phone. My friend said, “Well, she was too weak to talk and open her eyes by the time I got there. So, I just shared with her how all we have to do is confess with our heart and believe in God’s precious Son.” She went onto tell me in so many words, that she shared with the patient that God is a forgiving God and a loving God. She wasn’t sure if she had made a difference or not.

Or that was until the end of their time together when---

in the last seconds,

through the patient’s weakness,

through the impossibilities and

through our Lord’s faithfulness,

as this little lady, squeezed the hand of our social worker and through her weakest voice , she whispered a heartfelt, “AMEN.”

It was then the realization that most likely a miracle had indeed occurred.

Sometime later the chaplain showed up, but by now, the patient was no longer responsive.

Now, just maybe our patient’s journey is complete!

So what about you, will you make the right choice before the sands of time are absolute?

A Mom's Embrace

When she was a little girl, she loved to play house. She dreamed of being a mom. The day soon came where she had four beautiful children. Married to the man of her dreams. Life was good.

But life was not without its heartache. Without its trials and tribulations. She was young when she came to know the Lord. Hoping this would be her shield of protection. And in a sense it was but protection from what?

The day came when she lost a son in a tragic accident. Life was never the same. Then years later, she lost another child, then another and finally she lost her last child. In between these tragic events, her beautiful husband passed away.

As I was admitting her to Hospice a while back, I listened to her story. I had a hard time grasping her pain. I couldn’t really. Who could? After all, if I allow someone else's tragic life to crouch my thoughts too closely, would they become apart of my own world? Or would it be like a contagious disease? We do weird things when hearing horrific news, don't we?

My patient was full of joy, full of life. As she spoke, she told me that she asked God the question I was probably wondering. Maybe it showed on my face but yes, I was wondering, “Why?” Why would a woman ever have to endure outliving her children, especially all of them.

My little lady then said looking me straight in the eyes, “God told me that it was my job to take care of and bury my children, my family and I have done that now. I am done.”

She said this with such reassurance, with such certainty and just as Jesus did on the Cross, "It is finished." (John 19:30)

What a beautiful lady and a honor to get to know her. How she kept her spirit alive is beyond me but she did. And I can't help but think that God will honor this. She truly is amazing.

Last night, my patients family called in a desperate cry, “She is not breathing well.” I wasn't far from her house.

I arrived to see that she was getting close to her journey Home. Earlier this week, she had asked me to pray with her and now the Lord was answering our prayer. “Father, bring comfort, peace but most of all -- may Your will be done.” She smiled. She knew.

Within thirty minutes of my arrival, her journey was complete. She reached up as if to hug someone and then set her hands down gently, tenderly folding them on her chest, allthewhile she took her last earthly breath. It was one of the most peaceful moments I can remember witnessing.

Holy Ground? Oh yes! For she was greeted by her family that had already passed on and hugged every last one of them. All four of her children. And her lovely husband. To watch someone that could barely move a muscle the past week or find the strength to sit up but now find enough vigor to embrace her loved ones --one by one-- is no less than that of a miracle!

Her family is once again--complete!

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

And we will all once again be as One…

All in a Mother's Embrace

Bring The Rain

So today, my inner soul felt like it was raining...crying big tears...puddles within my spirit.

You ever get that way?

So I'm driving in my car from one patient to another, listening to the radio and praying. And I just cry out to my Lord, "Well, where are You? Can't You just come and sit right next to me. If you can hear me. Or if You even care."

For what seemed like eternity... but in reality was no more than seconds, the radio went silent. And then a song came on. I don't know the name of the song and would probably never recognize it again. But will never forget these words. "My Son came in Your place and died on the Cross. For my love is strong, My love is pure. And all for you ." (paraphrased)

Powerful? Oh, it was as if Papa Himself came down to sit "right next to me."

Lord, bring the rain... if it means being close to You.

The Saint That Fell Into Grace

The Saint that fell into Grace….

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

Did you hear about…? Or so and so…. Or I hear that another Pastor lost his…

It’s becoming such a common theme we do not even cringe. We are becoming desensitized. Or is it we are thankful that it is someone other than ourselves?

Oh, not because we are innocent although we might some times forget what our own “fleshy desires” might be.

Recently, a dear friend of ours fell and fell hard. His own flesh took its toll. He took a path of a non-fruit bearing life and yes, with his Jesus by his side (See, Jesus never leaves us). Our friend lived in the lie for many years which led him into a life of self-loathing. Eventually, our friend tried to take his own life. But God was not ready for him. He is alive but not without much pain to him and his family. And there are always consequences of our choices. He may now be on dialysis for the remainder of his life.

I learned that another friend that I have always looked up to is not perfect. Imagine that?! Do you think the song, “Don’t look at me, look at Him” brings tremendous merit here?

I am always on my husband about his own flaws or one in particular. In hit me and hit me hard this week that it is not my place to worry about that any longer. Matt 7:5 slapped me so hard, I truly felt dizzy. For my husband has his own journey with Jesus and who am I to interfere? I thought what about my own weaknesses, my own problems that keep me apart from perfection?

Oh, flawlessness, that is right, we are not the perfection that God speaks of when He thought of Someone as the perfect Lamb that gave His life! Otherwise, what did we need Jesus for! And as in Galatians 2:21, God reminds us that Christ did not die in vain.

But I still wonder, so many people, Godly people are falling into the fleshly desires. Despair. Pain. Disease. Disappointment.

I have my own weaknesses that keep me on my knees, weak and praying. It keeps me forever giving grace to my friends and family as I am aware of my own limitations. The plank in my eyes help blind me to the pride I think I once carried(s) and helps me to reflect on an inner love that can only come from God. Spiritual blindness! Not an accident but part of God's plan.

It is almost as if to say, in some daily reminder, we are nothing apart from HIM.

Daily we fall into grace. Daily we are reminded that we cannot live without HIM.

And as the battles rages… and it will--Satan wants us to give up… He wants us to throw in the towel and feel helpless, crying out, “Why bother, dear brother!”

On the other side, God is standing in, not surprised, not anxious but calmly waiting… He already knows where this is going….

You and me, all of US--Into the arms of our precious Savior…

As we--Fall into Grace, His Grace…

And when we stand before our Lord, we will know… we will worship… we will praise… HIM

He will only see us through the love of His Son and the forgiveness of the CROSS.

The After Life

Interesting stastics that I came across today.

92% Americans believe in God...

74% believe in the after life...

sooooooo for that 18% that believe in God but not the after life???? what do you think they believe in?

I'm baffled...

He Loves Me

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1John4:18)

As a little girl, I would pick flowers and ponder the love of my newest romance. He loves me, he loves me not. If the last petal did not end on what I desired, I would start over. Eventually, I would find the flower that found my beloved answer.

In exerts from the book -- He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobsen

The author compares this example of our innocent pursuits of love to that of our Savior. Do we not play this very game with God? Maybe not plucking flowers but what about circumstances of life.

I got a raise-- He loves me
I lost my job-- He loves me not
Something in the Bible inspired me--He loves me
My child is very ill-- He loves me not
I gave money to someone in need -- He loves me
I let my anger get the best of me-- He loves me not
My prayers were answered --He loves me
I told a little white lie-- He loves me not

I have lived (and at times still live) this game...
One of --if I perform, work hard, do well-- He loves me

What is our list of failures or do we just live in a dark whirlpool of self-loathing? -For He loves me not

Satan knows he lost at the Cross. His only battle is to continually fill our head full of lies.. and for many of us.. he does a great job...

Fight back....

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1John3:1)

He Now Breathes Celestial Air

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” (Matt 3:16)

I shared with you several weeks ago in a devotional, How Will I Die, about a patient of mine that I led to the Lord.

I want to share the rest of the story with you now.

James has been getting sicker over the past weeks.

Yesterday, I sat next to him and we just talked. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to talk due to his disease. This was a man that had once spoke seven different languages and now, he could barely speak one. He humbly tried to communicate with his family and friends. He was so weak but during our visit, I asked him what he thought was going on with the progress of his condition. He said, “I don’t know.”

I don’t ever want to take away someone’s hope but I do not want to ever leave things undone either. So there was a period of silence.......

I finally asked, “James, do you still want to be baptized?”

He looked at me and said, “Do you think it’s that close?”

I took his hand in mine and said, “Yes, I do.”

He said, “Well then, let’s do it tomorrow.”

And so tomorrow came.

He had had a rough night I later learned. His mom had sat up with him most of the night giving him medicine and holding his hand. Things a mother would do. She told me that she told him over and over how much she loved him. She said, "I don't think he heard me." I told her that "Yes, he did hear you." And a tear trickled down her face.

I had received a phone call early in the morning asking me if I could come to the house because James was much worse. I decided that before I came, I would try, call the Chaplain and ask him where he was. He answered his phone and he was only two blocks from where my patients’ house was. (What a God-wink!) Our Chaplain was going to be able to meet me in 10 minutes.

When I arrived at the house, my patient responded to me. I introduced him to our chaplain. I said, “James, here is Alan our chaplain. I promised you that we would get you baptized.”

James nodded with affirmation and blinked his eyes. He no longer was speaking.

The baptism was beautiful. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit--the sign of the cross was made on the forehead of a precious man. James was awake for it and just nodded. When the Chaplain finished, I walked the chaplain out the door. When I came back in, James was trying to sit up so I sat on the sofa with him.

Then I realized what was happening. His Jesus had come to get him. I told his mom what was happening. There we both said, “Go James, go see Jesus. We’ll see you soon”

James lay back in my arms as I rubbed his head and prayed while he took his last breath.

Then he began to breath celestial air… and he then stepped foot onto his eternal Home… with his Papa.