Mind over things that matter

What a weird thing to say!

My friend’s mom, Dorris went to heaven and though it was a difficult passing into the next phase of life there is joy inexpressible.  We do not grieve as those with no hope.

When Mrs. Woods’ grandson got up to speak I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect to take notes.  I had never been to a funeral in which I wrote down notes.  Not notes about what I wanted my funeral to be, like songs to sing or scripture for people to read. No these notes were about how I wanted my LIFE to be.  After listening to this young man in his 30’s talk about the impact his grandmother, Maama had on his life, I knew some things needed to change in my own.

3 Things to ask for in Prayer.  The results of a Savior-Saturated Life:

1.  This grandmother’s great-granddaughter, a 3 & 1/2 years old, when asked what she thought of her great-grandmother, said, “Maama loved Jesus.”  The child’s father said his grandmother acted on that love consistently as His follower, as a wife, a mother, a church member, and a neighbor.  My prayer each morning after hearing these words is:  Father, help me love each and every person you have placed in my life to love for THIS day.

2. This lovely woman (Proverbs 31 Woman) declared the excellency of Jesus Christ to others in her everyday life. My prayer: Lord Jesus, how can I today do my husband good and not ill? Please work in my life Your excellency that I may encourage others and pass it on.  Chris said, his grandmother had the family over through his lifetime for around 15,000 Sunday dinners.  During that time he NEVER heard her grumble!  I want to have a good word for all.

3. She was UN-selfconscious.  Though Mrs. Woods had a strong and healthy self image based in her knowledge of God’s love, she was Unconscious of herself.  In other words, she thought of others first, met their needs first, and like Jesus, she lay down her life in small mundane ways each day for those around her.  My prayer:  Good Father, the one who made me and engineered my identity, help me to get the food for others before I eat, help me to listen to others before I speak, in general help me God to be UN-selfconscious because I am conscious of YOU within and around me.  Work your Spirit within me so I may put others before myself.

Mrs. Woods’ son, Mike, (a pastor in Texas) had these final words as he wrapped up speaking about his wonderful mother: Repent and Live.

That is my plan!

Here are my notes from a funeral.