Eternity's Eulogy of Celebration

For those we know who have lost a loved one, it is my prayer that the song at the conclusion of this writing will bring you comfort in your time of sadness & loss. The words are amazingly beautiful. The celebration of life is a daily thing. Sadly too often we let everyday situations muffle our voices of appreciation. Too often we are too busy holding on to silly disagreement that we later find we exchange peace for arrogant pride. Why? Tell others how you feel. Don’t wait. Share your heart in love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRwGXz5qaqY  (Please Remember)

Make each day a word for the eulogy you leave with others to share afterward.

Knowing your eternal destination is essential (1 John 5:12)

After all, no one or thing is worth eternity in hell. So, if you lose earthly friendships or associates because of your decision to accept Christ into your heart, rest assured by your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior & Lord, you will have eternal peace & forever be safe in the arms of Jesus. For those who truly know you in this life, who you are in your spirit is how they will remember you in the farewell hour. Will they know more of Jesus because of you? What difference has your life made? Has God's love been seen in you?

Heaven waits for you...
Please ~ don’t wait too long... Forever is forever. Joy is in living your eternal life now & celebrating for all time-safe in the arms of Jesus...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r--V2dKXrsw (Safe In The Arms Of Jesus)

 Consider:
1 John 5:11-13: "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (NLT). God wants us to know we have eternal life. These verses clearly share that those who have believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their personal savior have eternal life. Eternal life is just that -- eternal
Romans 8:38-39 say, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing can separate a child of God from their Father.

Jesus tells us personally that He gives us eternal life and nothing can take that away: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10:27-30).

Salvation is a gift of grace.  Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Romans 10:13. Let us also be secure in knowing that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"

Having this knowledge gives us hope. We can know Christ will claim us as His for all time.
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"
(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

If you are struggling with questions of doubt, pray a prayer similar to this: “Dear God, I’m not sure if I am Your child. I believe that you sent Your Son Jesus to earth to die for my sins. I believe that He rose from the death and is offering me eternal life. I accept Him as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me life with You eternally. Help me to have assurance that You have answered my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”


NOW- LET'S CELEBRATE!!!
 

What Time Is Your Appointment? Dialtone...

What time IS your appointment? 
Ever asked someone that question? They usually can give a specific time as an answer. An appointment is a designated predetermined time to be somewhere or to engage in a task that occurs just for us. And we try to keep it, right? Often the more prestigious the appointment or the person, with whom the appointment is with, indirectly enhances the value of keeping it. Rescheduling may not be an option.

What happens if you know you are to have an appointment, and then try to show up without one? Do you explain the reason you did not comply with the arrangements or that you are somehow worthy of being a welcomed walk-in? Aren’t you special? Well, think again, my friend.  

No matter who you 'think you are' in the big scheme of things - heaven requires a ‘prearranged- in advance- no exception to the rule- invite RSVP from the Creator of all events, God Himself. He loves you so very much that He wants you to be perfect in a perfect place that He has personally prepared just-for-you. When you accept God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Lord and Savior, you are now one of God's children, inheriting all He has. What reason would you say no?

And yet, we think we know best; we think that time is on our side so, we procrastinate. This is one VIP meeting you will not be late for, nor be able to ‘talk your way out of’ and you will definitely not be able to ‘talk your way in to’ the heavenly realm. Those without a reservation will have plenty of time to think about their error in judgment. They will sit in regal regret as they realize knowing the Creator personally determines where you spend all of eternity. You deny Him, He denies you. A pretty simply stated fact. And should you wish to 'risk it'....well, that also is your CHOICE. Free Will is a gift that God has given us.

We have been given a promise of Eternal Life....You chose between Heaven and Hell. Be certain of the answer for there are no do over’s, no second chances, no explanation that will change the ultimate destination.
God is giving you the opportunity to know. You are responsible to accept or risk the destination alternative- Hell should you decline the invite. It is a once in a lifetime event...don’t be late...don’t wait...you can’t say you did not know.

Imagine - you can enjoy the life you have to its fullest by knowing the One who Created you & wants to give you all of His blessings. And then, enjoy the eternal experience in Heaven.
So...ask yourself the one question that is asked by the One who is waiting by the door to the celebration of Love...  Y-U-B-W8-N ? 

ENJOY A WONDERFUL MOVIE that will have you on the edge of your seat.
What happens when no one answers & all you have is a dialtone. Excellent film!
Simply click on the links below, sit back & listen for the dialtone.

 

DIALTONE (the movie) part 1 of 4 

DIALTONE (the movie) part 2 of 4
 

DIALTONE (the movie) part 3 of 4
 

DIALTONE (the movie) part 4 of 4

 

 

In Loving Memory of My Dad

He was 27 years old when the doctor handed him a bundle of joy – a life he would share with mom for the rest of our days. As the doctor said...'Glen, you have a healthy baby girl...congratulations.'I’m sure he held me close, kissed my forehead, kissed my mom, & whispered I love you within his heart as he welcomed me. For that very split second, he was holding the youngest life on the planet...As time
passed, another life came to us, my sister,Brenda & our family was created. Over the years, we shared times of laughter, discovery, tears, disagreements & reconciliations. We talked at the dinner table about our day. Mom & Dad always took time to be there when we needed them, encouraging us along the way.

 

We learned about respect, family values, & God.

When I was very young, dad worked swing shift at Luke Mill. He would get up early & have breakfast with Mom - I would join them at the breakfast bar. We would welcome the morning over coffee (yeah, I started young) As he be walking out the door on his way to work...I would say to him:  “I love you, Dad -Tell Brooks & Gus, I said hello,”
He would kind of wave to me with his lunch box, & while placing his hat on his head, he’d reply “I will & I love you too, Chum.”As the years passed, I looked forward to our time together after his late shift from work. Usually after everyone was in bed, we would share a laugh at one of the many Benny Hill’s antics. And he would tell me about his day & I would share mine.

We would share talks & plans for life while standing under a chassis of his car, & later with my car on the ramp. From our time together, I learned about the care & art of detailing cars, business & life skills & how to stand on my own...

There are many moments that I remember ...yet one memory I would like to share that is very special.
The look on Dad’s face when for Father’s day one year, I presented a model car I had completed from looking at a photo of him with his 54 Chevy Bel Air. It was a project completed in love. He kept that car for 30 years....the model, that is. As long as I can recall,we have always shared a passion for the antique, classic, & vintage automobiles. For this model car was a gift that touched his heart, a common bond between father & daughter that would later have a spiritual meaning...

A couple of months ago I was home visiting dad. It was good for we had time to talk, & share our final goodbyes. But at night God shared dreams with me. And this one specific dream really was a message to my heart. In the dream I took dad’s bel air to the mechanic because it was rusting, the headlights were dim, there were creaking sounds that indicated a need for service & the engine was not performing well.

The mechanic informed me after contacting the manufacturer that dad had accepted the lifetime warranty extended from the original designer of this model. He would only have to return the model he presently has - no matter the condition - for a brand new one. So he did. My dad had accepted the Lord & exchanged his old for the new. Now - He has a new body, new heart, new eyes...and probably some hair...no bald tires in heaven, right. :o)

The next morning I shared this dream with Dad, Mom & Brenda ... it was awe inspiringly comforting. As I felt the Spirit reveal to me the message behind the dream. I cried.

For 53 years ago my relationship with my earthly father began when he was handed a small frail body, completely dependent upon him & mom for everything. We loved one another from the very first breath.

Recently my dad experienced the very same dependency as his earthly body grew frailer by the day. He was loved to his last breath.

Now, I can imagine him resting in the arms of His Heavenly Father. No longer is Dad a small, frail body that had no choice but to submit to the decease that overcame him....

He is whole. He is perfect. He is complete.

His were the first arms to embrace me. He is the man I called Dad all of my life.  I called him that as I kissed his forehead one last time. And with a peaceful goodbye I am sure that heaven extended a joyful hello.

As I was writing this...I spent time looking at old snapshots taken over a lifetime. Christmas of 1997 Mom & Dad gave both Brenda & I each a box filled with family pictures & memories.

 

On the underside of the lid, dad had penned this poem to me:

"When you are busy & on the go;
And life doesn’t seem to be much fun.
Take time & look at these old snapshots.
And don’t forget you are always our ‘chum’." Love, Dad

So, Dad, I love you too & for old times’ sake,"

Please...tell Brooks & Gus, I said hello."
I will miss you & will never forget you. If I could remember that first day in your arms, I’m sure I would have felt that love...Yes, I will always be your little girl...'Chum'.

I Love You, Dad.
Sharon

 

“God, our heavenly Father, thank You for sharing Your Son with us so that we may share our lives with You. May we appreciate the moments we are given, the lives we are to live, the blessings You wrap around us. May others may see You living in us. Thank you for giving us Your gift of  love & eternal life, & for patiently waiting by heaven’s door to welcome us home. Lord,

You have given us peace, assurance & comfort in our spirits as we place our Dad, & husband & friend in Your arms. Amen"

 

Cecil G. Dawson
11/24/1932 - 05/29/2013

 

 

            Dad...here is one of our favorite tunes... 'Sugar Blues'

 

 

 

Bling-You Can't Take It With You.

This is part of an article that includes some pretty flashy & fancy photos I discovered online. With some liberty in edits, I hope you see the glitter of truth & humor in the simplicity & sincerity of this blog post.

Heaven, when portrayed by the artists of canvas with its streets of gold, still has the best Bling of all time. Yet, look at some of the Bling Things the rich have found as treasures that are not laid up in heaven. When you go, this stays. Let's hope & pray this FACT is remembered & heeded before the final curtain time. In the meantime, enjoy! When people have money, they look for ways and means to spend it. That is, after all, the entire purpose of having a wallet that is bursting at its seams with a fat wad of currency or flaunting a platinum, titanium or uranium credit card that has an obscene credit limit on it. When people have too much money, they generally tend to splurge it on outrageous commodities that most of us would only regard with incredulity.

Forget about questions like “why, in the world would you want to buy that?” or “what on earth were they thinking?” or even “why would they want to waste all that money?” Concentrate only on one fact – they can and therefore they will. Let’s find out how the insanely rich spend their money. You are going to love this…or maybe not!

Never again will the world take the ordinary pencil for granted for it has been lifted to the level of extraordinary 'The 24K Gold Pencil' by Korean designer Daisung Kim. These very special pencils have a thin layer of 24k gold plating on them when they come to you in a very jazzy box shaped like gold bars. Yes, very creative I must say! Next time you want to scribble a figure with several zeros in it on your check book, lay aside your fancy pens and flash this golden pencil. If you are really happy with the bank’s customer service, you could even give away pencil shavings as a tip. Better still save them up for a rainy day and cash them in when you run out of the gold in your vault! Gotta Go?? How about trying The Golden Loo for Your Poo?

The rich even go to the toilet in style! For them nothing less than a golden pot would do to receive their bodily waste and drain it to the murky lower world in panache! After all, what poop can boast of such a see-off?

Brainchild of Hong Kong-based jeweler Hang Fung Gold Technology, this royal loo is made from 24k solid gold and weighs well over a metric tonne. It’s even found a place for itself in the Guiness Book of World record as the most expensive toilet in the world. But, of course! AND Finally----When it is time to "GO" for the Final Journey...The Gold Coffin (Not going to get you in to Heaven, but you will be seen leaving the main stage in style)

It seems the rich prefer to set themselves apart even in death. Not content with the modest and regular arrangements for their final resting place, they sought out something more glamorous and ritzy – like this 24k gold coffin designed by Art Funeral, Italy. Having made a debut last year in a show for “Billionaires only” this $400,000 coffin comes with, believe it or not, a built in cell phone! (seriously folks...some people just have no idea about the after-life)

In the event they get a bit too restless on the other side of the world and wish to call up and chat with their loved ones here, perhaps? Ah, the mysterious ways in which the rich and dead work. Yeah,can you imagine some of those 'crys for water while having what they thought would be one hellava time with the parties ~ of pain?' Oh people....

When you 'turn your eyes upon Jesus & look full in His wonderful face. The things of earth will grow strangely dim...in the Light of His Glory & Grace.'

"The Journey of a Life's Time"

They say all roads lead somewhere. Really?

Have you ever been stuck in traffic, not known why, then think to yourself...I wonder if there is another road that I could take to my destination to avoid the wait? The road you are on is fine; it’s the patience of waiting that is the problem. Everyone else is feeling the same frustrations as you. Remember, this was the road they selected also. You just happen to be there all at once. Thus, the result is the jam.

Another scenario: You are not certain of your route, you have a map, but select the no consulting the route option. You are traveling towards the area you ‘think’ is where you are heading only to find yourself lost; or worse yet, back where you started. This refusal to reckon with a ‘plan for your journey’ has only frustrated you more & cost you valuable time, energy, & inner peace.

On this route, there is no one to blame. On the roads of life’s journey, everyone is a traveler towards an eternal destination. Yet all roads will lead to only One...the Only One. In the process of travel, the frantic highways of faith can be frustrating, the lonely back roads of doubt, scary & unfamiliar. Yet there is always the horizon to anticipate & what is on the other side of the next hill you are approaching. Which road do you find yourself on? Which one is better; which one is the right one? Is one better than the other? The answer to that is Yes & No. WHAT? Let me explain. As we travel through life, we may be lost, but it is usually temporary. We muddle through & eventually find a way to get where we want to be or out of where we have found ourselves. Once we arrive at the destination, we have the bags of frustration, irritation, & anxiety to unpack. In the spiritual journey, many travelers will be left behind. What route you select for your soul’s eternal residence is up to you.

How you prepare your soul determines how the journey ends. Once you arrive, you will have plenty of time to enjoy eternal peace in Heaven. Or you may have selected the road that leads to the anguish from the never ending torment of Hell. You choose. What does the Journey really involve? And will the road you are on lead you to God? Well, let's see, shall we.

All roads lead to God. All religions lead to God. Even those who claim there is no God & blaspheme His name...yes, the road they travel will also lead them to God. For everyone will stand before God & give an account of their lives & their relationship or lack thereof... with Christ. There is only one God & one way to Heaven. Your religion will not save you.

Eternal Life is found in a relationship & acceptance of Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What road of divine decision are you traveling? Have you prepared your Soul for the journey? Once you arrive, you are home.

Now is only for a moment. Eternity is for always. Do you know, beyond a shadow of doubt that you will arrive at Heaven's gate... If not, Yubw8n? After all, its only eternity you are headed towards..."

R U Soulfully deFEETed?

“One of the first things on record after a baby is born is the footprint, the sole of the feet. Often even a name has not been decided yet when this one of a kind ‘mark’ is made. The feet help to identify the life from the beginning. Likewise, at the end of a life, another identification tag is often placed upon the toe of the foot.From the beginning, our feet are a foundation for the future destinations. Walk with me for a while...

From the starting line of any race, the toes of feet are aligned against the starting point. Standing on the edge of a cliff usually implies that you have your feet and toes directly at the point of no return. The feet are identified with motion,placement,and ultimately direction. Without feet one’s impaired mobility will result in a flawed stride. Even though the soles of the feet(and palms of the hand) are the toughest areas of skin on the human body, even when this area is injured, the pain is felt throughout the entire body.
Think about your body this way. The lowest area is the sole of your feet. The furtherest areas on either side are the hands. And the highest point, the top of your head.

These were some of the areas on the body of Christ that were wounded upon Calvary’s tree for our Salvation.
It is wise to respect the part of your person that literally supports all your weight when you take a stand. When you stump your toe or twist your ankle you know it will hurt. And should you cut the skin of your feet, the healing may take time. This area is under the pressure unfortunately felt by the wound; a constant reminder of error.

Let’s look at how our spiritual feet are similar to our natural feet.
When you walk in faith, you prayerfully tread upon your enemies. These enemies may be areas of weakness or people who wound your spirit.
When you walk in the natural and something is present that may harm you, you tread upon it by placing it under your feet. Or you elect to turn and walk away from the person or the temptation that is in your path for these are not necessary.
The toughest areas of your spiritual feet are also the softest part of your soul. This area not only withstands temperature but temptation and terrain as well.

We adorn our feet with extravagant and often expensive foot wear. Even though our selections may not always be the healthiest options in upholding our body as we walk, we continue to accessorize our feet with the shoes we like even though...
Remember ~ as you walk barefoot, your sole to the dirt of the earth, you are open to injury. Likewise, if you walk barefoot with your ‘soul’ to this earth, you are more likely to stumble and fall.

Secure 'the Light of the Word' to the feet of your faith and walk the path in your life that God has ordained just for you.

Prayerfully, place your best foot forward. When you walk with Christ, you will never walk alone in defeat!” Ask yourself...Yubw8n?

... Serving Seconds ....

Seconds are the small segments of a life-time that link minutes to one another to create an hour that joins hands to become a day. These days then mosey on to form calendar months, years, and time. We seldom notice them as they move swiftly past us and rarely, do we give them a second thought. They just are. However, when 'seconds' are more apparent, we take time to pay attention. Stay with me for just a second, maybe even two....

~Ok so you did and now you wonder for what you waited. Well, it could be anything. On second thought it may be nothing at all. But let's take a second look at this small but powerful word, action, status, & position that wears the name that is really second to none.

Everyone wants to be first. What is so great about first? No one really remembers who came in second. However, the runner up to a contest eyes the trophy with desire even though they found themselves with the red ribbon this time. Run past first to second and you are halfway home. Stop at first and you are further from the goal. Get to third, and well, you get the idea.

The birth order designs placement opportunity as the second born is also the youngest child or merely the second to the oldest. That would mean that the first born is simply second to none.


Remember the second helping you ate last holiday meal; it was either because you were still hungry or wanted the repeat sensation of the tastes that satisfied you the first time around.
Seconds can be fun, fattening, frustrating, family related, and frivolous for favor in competition. You have only so many seconds in a lifetime. Make the most of the first and second moment of your day.

Give second chances.
Accept second chances.

Take that second look at life and remember you are only seconds away from becoming your best…

Decisions, Do-Overs & Destiny

THIS IS~
but a brief documentation of & in time. From the moment you started reading this – many things & people have changed. Most likely a life was created & a life ended. In the well-known ‘dash’ between your birth & your departure from this realm, what difference have you made in the lives you touch? What difference has been made within you? In the end, the difference God has made in & through you will matter.

Ask yourself…Have you set an example of excellence in the experiences you have had or in those you have created? When others hear your name, do they have positive pictures in their mind’s eye of you & your integrity?

What will you sow, reap, & harvest from your life? The ‘values’ & talents you have are treasures that have been entrusted to you. How wisely have you invested them in the life of another? What matters to you-money & material gain or moments & memories that are more precious than gold?

Take a brief moment in time & reflect on where you stand in eternal priorities. Rest assured, there are no do-overs. There will always be graves of regrets covered with the soil of sorrow. Earthly tears are shed for the loss of the physical man, yet the heavens weep for the loss of the spirit of the man who arrogantly stood upon his own feet in defiance rather than humbly stand at the feet of Jesus & accept His Gift of Salvation & Eternal Life with Him.

Yes, THIS IS~ the end of the beginning of the last paragraph. THIS IS~ parallel to the end of a life. There is a period…no comma…no next page.
The next chapter is yours to acknowledge & accept. How many lives have come & gone since you started reading this sentence? - One day- yours will be one of them. Answer this - if THIS IS~ the last sentence you ever read~Do you know where you will live for all Time? If not, Yubw8n?