By practicing these verses in the little things of life, little disappointments, little frustrations etc., we are building our faith and storing up for when the big things happen in our lives. We have then made it a habit  of thanking the Lord and looking for the blessings and it is much easier to do than if we had not put these verses to practice in the small things.

I think Psalm 50:14-15 speaks of this:

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving (could a sacrifice of thanksgiving possibly mean giving thanks when we don’t really feel like it or see how we could possibly do that) and pay your vows to the most High; (can paying our vows possibly mean to give obedience to God and his word when we don’t really fee like it only because He tells us to) and then call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.”

This verse is so true. When we store into God’s bank our thanks and praises prior to the great need in our life, we have built an account so to speak and the promise is that he will then deliver us, and the best part is that we will want to glorify Him.

November 2nd reading from God at Eventide: “The stored wealth of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The giving out of that spirit-wealth. The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. This, My Spirit, must be absorbed, not in a moment of emergency, but in the quiet alone times, so that from this store all help and strength can be supplied….The mistakes my followers often make is that they rely upon this supply being ready for them to claim from Me at need, when the claim should have been made before, and My Spirit in all its fulness has already become a part of them…My Spirit is not a Spirit of Rescue alone. It is both Builder and Strength, making of my follower that stronger soldier ready for the emergency or strong to avoid it, as the need of My Kingdom may demand.”

When we sometimes think, “Oh the Lord could not possibly mean that. That is either too simple or too hard”….. These verses are good to remember when we either don’t understand or don’t agree with the verse as it is stated.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight….”

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way to death.”

LET US CONTINUE TO BE DOERS OF THE WORD AND BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

It has been a few months since we said goodbye to our sweet Papa. The days and weeks surrounding his death were filled with so many tender moments, happy memories, tears, and goodbyes. Our family gathered in Papa & Grandma’s cozy home daily to hold his hand, eat meals together, and support each other. I can’t help but feel that Papa’s final days reflected what his life was all about… Jesus & family. He instilled in each of his children a love of God and a love of each other. I was blown away daily by the way my parents, aunts and uncles cared for Papa and each other during those final few weeks. It was a true testament to his character and the way he led his family for so many years.

One of the main characteristics people highlighted about Grandma Rosy after she passed away was her gift of sharing God’s word. She blessed others and led them to Christ through prayer, leadership, bible studies, and small conversations. Her heart for Jesus touched people all over the world. But what I think is often forgotten about Rosy is that she was introduced to Jesus by Papa. It was his faith that led her to a life changing decision that would impact their 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and so many more. Papa continued the legacy of his parents, Melvin & Palma, by instilling the love of Christ in his family and raising them to know Him personally. And I see this legacy continue today in the way my aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and parents choose to live their lives daily. Whether through serving at camps, going on mission trips, praying with their children each night, or donating resources, everyone has found a way to keep the legacy alive.

Saying goodbye to Papa also meant saying goodbye to Grandma Rosy again. When Grandma Rosy passed we still had Papa to hug and spend time with. We could visit their home and see the decorations she had lovingly placed on the shelves, the photos taped to the fridge, and the flowers growing in the garden. All reminders of her memory and impact in our lives. But now we move into a new season of loving Grandma & Papa from afar and in our memories. We have each pulled little treasures into our homes, hoping they will help make the memories last and bring bits of each of them into our lives daily. Even the files of bible studies I collected from their house still smelled like Grandma. But even more than the physical reminders of their presence, we have the greatest gifts of family, friendship, and faith. So when I’m missing Grandma & Papa most I will follow their example and lean into my relationships with God and my family.

Thank you Papa for taking sweet Rosy to church with you so many years ago. Thank you for teaching my dad about Jesus, boats, and godly parenting. Thank you for loving your wife and children in a way that will impact generations to come. Thank you for creating memories, praying fervently, and loving each of us individually until the very end. We love you. 

Videos from Papa’s memorial service: VIDEO

Editors Note: “Several more files of bible studies were collected from Grandma & Papa’s house and they will slowly be added to the site. My hope is that this website can be a place to reflect, find resources and honor the memory of Grandma Rosy & Papa”.