June 3rd.
I had not looked at the date all day. If I did, I know exactly where my thoughts would have landed.
There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my late mother-in-love, Jany. It’s been eight years since she went to walk hand and hand with her Savior.
In various instances in my life, I think WWJD. Oh, sure…with each decision I make I try to think What Would Jesus Do, yet with my children and husband, I often think What Would Jany Do. She always had a way of bringing out the conversation in others and guiding them in a way that was more unassuming than how I may approach others.
Last night, Tim was scrolling through social media and came across his cousin LaDonna’s posting. He asked, “Today is June 3rd?” I looked at my phone and in shameful awe of forgetting replied, “Yes.” I went to LaDonna’s posting and she had a photo of Jany and Tim’s aunt Lela
Aunt Lela (left) and Jany (rt) just a few short years before she left us to be with Jesus.
that we had not seen before. The two Kentucky born sisters were shopping in a familiar store that Jany and I used to go to after Thanksgiving in Madisonville. When I looked closer, I recognized two jackets. One Jany had bought for her, and the other she had purchased as a Christmas gift for me. I have both of those jackets at home now, and I wear them every year.
Later in the evening, my best friend/college roomie/cousin, April, sent me a text. The phone was on do not disturb, so I didn’t see it until I woke up this morning. She had informed me that her mom, whom I alway called aunt Jo, passed away peacefully and that she is finally home with God and her heavenly loved ones. Now, aunt Jo, as April texted, “is no longer suffering.” My Florida Gator lovin’, petite aunt is reunited with her man and The Man. Penny, Monte, April, and families, you are all in our prayers. Sending love love love your way!
Aunt Jo and April
Jany and Jo now share the same heavenly birthday.
One day.
One day late in honoring my fun-loving mother-in-love.
One day I will never forget.
One day we will be reunited with our loved ones who also believe in Jesus Christ.
One Jesus is coming back.
One day…don’t be late!
And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they’ll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God’s trumpet blast! He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13,15 MSG
One day we have this glorious day to look forward to! “The grave does not have the last word.” Hallelujah. Praise the Lord!
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:4 ERV
One day we will have no more sadness and pain.
Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 ERV
One day I will live in the mansion that the Lord has for me in Heaven. I imagine Jany has been decorating homes for us, making sure everything is perfect, just like Heaven will be.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36 NIV
One day is coming. Don’t be late for that one delightful day that is coming. Have a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ now.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know more, please visit your local bible believing church, you can also visit https://soakinguptheson.com/new/want-to-become-a-christian/ . I’d love to know that you’ve secured your home in heaven alongside me. Email me at [email protected] to let me know.
On the day she officially became my mom in love.
April and aunt Jo