What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, May 25, 2018

"The Mighty One" - Updated 5-25-2018

I originally posted this on 5/31/2014, just one week after the passing of our son Matthew...after his 4 year battle with a deadly foe that just wouldn't give up.  (Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor- DSRCT).  Today, 5/25/2016, marks the 2nd anniversary   5/25/2018, marks the 4th anniversary of his passing from this life into heaven. I repost this today to hopefully encourage someone out there who may be going through a similar trial and time of grief.  I can honestly say that it does get a little easier with time...but only in the sense that we move from raw, unabashed sorrow and tears to a quieter, sweeter kind of grief. Acceptance? Perhaps.  I know that in my head I do accept the fact that our son is gone from this earth forever...and that he is now in heaven...forever.  But I still miss hearing his voice and seeing his face and feeling the warmth of his hugs.  I will say that there are many times that I feel his presence near me...I really don't think heaven is all that far away.  If only we could just reach through that veil and grasp onto each other again...but that is not to be...yet.  

Someday I, too, will pass through that veil from this life into the next...and I truly believe that my son will be standing there, next to Jesus, with arms open wide...ready to welcome me "home".  Until that day we will continue to carry on his memory in our hearts and in little things that we can do to keep his flame burning brightly.  I pray that these words will bring comfort to someone today whose grief is still fresh and glaringly painful.  May God's peace be your peace today.  May you place your hope in Jesus...and trust Him to carry you through. He will.
Our Memorial Garden in our back yard, in loving memory of our son. A wonderful place to pray, meditate on God's Word, and remember a marvelous son.

Original Post 5/31/14:

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

It is hard for me to realize that it was just one week ago today that I said my last farewells to my son Matthew.  It would be several more hours, in the wee hours of the next morning that we would receive the word that he had taken his last breath here on earth.  Can it be that a week has already passed? I believe I have been floating in a cloud mixed with sorrow and relief all week long.  Sorrow that my wonderful son is no longer with us here on earth, and relief that my wonderful son is no longer suffering from disease and that he is now totally healed and safe in heaven.

I know, I have already said these things to you.  I don't need to remind anyone about these events that have transpired this past week, especially not myself.  Everyday brings fresh reminders to me as we prepare for his memorial service and think of ways to honor him and keep his flame burning bright.  Sweet memories flash before my mind's eye, pictures of a precious little baby born earlier than expected and who lived a marvelous life and  left this earth earlier than expected, 41 years later.

The one thing I am mindful of is how the Lord has been carrying me in His arms this past week. This morning as I read my daily devotions, the verse written above stood out in bright highlights to me. Especially the part about "He will quiet you with His love..."  Yes, He has done just that. I have felt His love tenderly quieting my heart every time I have given over my mind to grief. When the tears began to overflow out of my eyes, I felt His hand gently wiping them away as He caressed my face.  I believe I could hear Him singing a sweet lullaby as He held me close and rocked me like a little child who needed to be comforted.


This same One who saves us, rejoices over us with gladness, quiets us with His love, and rejoices over us with singing. I've heard Him singing...He has filled my heart with songs of joy, peace, promise and love.  I have been flooded with songs in the night, the daytime, and at times when I didn't even think I could or should be singing.

Some of you may not understand how I could feel this great comfort...you may think I'm a bit daft in the head. But for those of us who have been there, we know how wonderful it is to have such a "Mighty One" as this Lord our God in our midst. "The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save..."  

I take comfort in knowing that this "Mighty One" takes the time to notice my sorrow...He is touched with my grief.  And He assures me that 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

I cannot say enough about this "Mighty One"

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  (Psalm 34:1)
This is the way I love to remember our "Deer" son.  Always smiling and full of joy and mischief.



For another post from Zephaniah 3:17, Click Here

18 comments:

  1. Your words are eloquent and I send you a hug from me in California.
    "Our God is mighty to save, He has conquered the grave."

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    1. Oh yes!!! That grave has no power over us, thanks to Our God! Our Lord rose victorious over sin and death...and therefore we too shall live! Such great news!

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  2. Hi Pam...I have been off-line for over a week, so please let me express my condolences on the passing of your son. I know you were hoping for it, and dreading it all at the same time. Who could blame you? I read the last few blog entries, and I am just so struck by your rock-steady faith.
    The photos of that reflection in the vase were...gorgeous. What a gift to you. God's light and presence were with you and your son. How good is our God.
    May he continue to bless you with his peace and presence. I will be praying for you and your tender heart. And thank you for being a tower of strength and faith for your family, and for yourself.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you Ceil. It has been a difficult time, but we know our Matthew is healed and safe in the arms of Christ. We miss him terribly, but know we will see him again someday. Your prayers are most welcome...especially for his wife Nicole and son Noah. I so appreciate you taking the time to read...and write. Blessings.

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  3. Pam:
    Please allow God to continue holding you in His arms of love. Remember that God truly loves you and your family. We grieve in direct proportion to how much we love. Please know you are loved.

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    1. I do feel His arms about me...and sometimes I ask Him to hold me a little tighter because I feel like I am losing my grip. But I know that He will never let go of me. One day at a time. Thank you for your prayers for our family. It truly means a lot.

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  4. Pamela, what a great God we serve that He cared enough to leave us a Comforter within...I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you so much, Kim. Yes, we do have a great Comforter Who knows exactly what we need. We are blessed. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. That means a lot to us.

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  5. Dear Pam, I am so sorry about your precious son! I know what you are going through, but how wonderful for him to be free of pain and with Jesus! I continue to pray for you and your family. Your Grandson is so heavy on my heart. So young to lose a Dad.
    Love to you, Nancy

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    1. Dear Nancy, I know that neither one of us desired to belong to this community of mothers who have had to say goodbye to one of our precious children...but aren't we so glad that we know we will see them again one day...and also that they are now free from pain and sickness...and enjoying the grandeur of heaven, face to face with our Lord? Thank you for your prayers for our family, especially our grandson Noah. I know you understand what a difficult thing this is for the family "left behind". But God is our Great Comforter through His Holy Spirit. We are blessed. Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you one day in person so we can give each other a big hug. Love to you as well, Pam.

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  6. Pam, Thank you for sharing this post again. You have shared some beautiful words of hope--hope that we have as Christians. We grieve differently, don't we. It really should be "see you later", rather than good-bye. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

    Blessings!

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    1. Oh Kim, yes..."See you later" is my choice way of thinking of this. And the closer we get to heaven, the more excited I get. Thank you.

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  7. Pam, It was nice reading this again, thank you for sharing. God's love is so amazing, so complete, so perfect. What a wonderful hope we have when we have Jesus as our Savior and Lord! Heaven is our true home. By the way, have you read "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn? I recommend it.

    Blessings!

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  8. I cannot begin to understand your heartache, but I do know that our Lord is right there with you and gives you peace. I send a big hug and love your way during this time.

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  9. I appreciate the thoughts you shared about the passing of your precious son. Even after 22 years since my Caleb died, I can hear his hearty laugh in my heart. It is good to remember and talk about our loved ones who are with the Lord now. God bless you.

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  10. It is hard for me to find words appropriate for the tenderly wonderful things you have shared here. I just ask the Lord to continue to bless you with the peace and comfort He has given over these past four years.

    Thank you for sharing the most tender parts of your heart with us. Your experiences teach us how to face our own challenges as they arise.

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  11. Its very hard to have our children go before us.
    I am sorry you joined this "club". It is the only club that no one wants to be part of.

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  12. Thank you, Pamela, for sharing this post with your readers. Who knows for whom your words will give peace and comfort, especially those gold-star families on this Memorial Day.
    Blessings, my friend!

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