I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:1-2

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Fifteen years ago today






I love my life and I am very happy, but I still miss him.  We were married for less than five years.  He has been gone for more than ten.  Today we will leave an American flag at his headstone to honor the most patriotic man I have ever known.  

I may shed a tear or two, but mostly I will enjoy my day with his children plus the two wonderful kiddos I have added since he died.  Being happy and enjoying my life doesn't mean I don't miss him with all of my heart.  It does mean that I live in the land of the living and look forward instead of backward most of the time.




1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

5 comments:

Vicky said...

You are an amazing woman! What a beautiful bride too!
How precious that you openly love and remember your husband and the father of your kids. I think it gives them permission to grieve and miss their dad, as well as honor his memory!

Blessings sweet friend.

Unknown said...

You have been an inspiration to me, a great encourager during such a rough year. Many a time I have sent people on similar journeys to your blog. Sweet Justine, it is easy to lift someone up on a pedestal and think of them as superhuman, forgetting the daily pain of loss they continue to live with. You are remembered today and always in prayer. You are loved and cherished beyond measure. May God continue to richly bless you and your beautiful children!

Heather Batchelder

Heather said...

As I approach the year mark without my mom and 5 months without sweet Gracie, I will follow your lead of walking the sadness of the days with strength and beauty and grace. Thank you for this today.

Peace to you today Justine

Stori said...

You bring tears to my eyes. God has called you to walk a difficult road, one that I can't even imagine and you do it with such grace. Bless your heart, your precious family is in my prayers tonight.

Anonymous said...

You are such an amazing women of God! I love the spirit you have. It is encouraging to others to not give up! It has been great getting to know you! I love these pictures!!! Precious!!