"This world is not my home. . . "

   Must be my day to blog.   It sure is good to be home after another week in NC.  I love to be with the kids. . Paul and Kaylene as well as the boys. .. but it's good to be back.

   Speaking of home, it occurred to me today that I really need to write about what you should know when I die.  We have been having a wonderful Sunday school class on death and dying, and one of the recurring themes is hope. .. and how hopelessness is one of the most painful things endured by hospice patients.  And I want to be sure you know where my very CERTAIN hope is.

     I have been planning my funeral for a long time (and the plan is written down in my Bible as well as in a document on my computer in case you need to find it).   I really can't wait to go.   I will see Grandma Beetham and dance with her and Grandpa.  I know Grandpa Henderson will be there, and my Mom.  Of course Laura and Karin will be waiting with open arms.  And most wonderful of all, Jesus will enfold me with the greatest love of all.   I have no fear of passing into any and all of their arms.    And I want my funeral to reflect the joy that I will be having while others are grieving.  

   Oh, I know, there will be those who find my absence very sad, and will miss me.  But I want them to know that I will be much happier to be gone.  My prayer is that I will have supplied them well with love, and they will know that I care very much about them and they will remember me that way.    And I think of my Mom and Grandma before they died and how they wished to leave here and be home with the Lord.    As much as I miss them, I wouldn't wish them back from that.    And I think of Laura and all the blessings she left behind her and the good memories and joy she filled our lives with.   I hope my life will be as joyful and a blessing to others.

   So. .. . please understand why my funeral will have joyful songs of heaven, and know that I will be singing "
Agnus Dei" with you. .. but from the throne of Jesus.     And do not weep for me.   If you must weep for yourself, feel free.  I am so sorry I can't hug you and dry your tears.   But I will be much happier in heaven!!