Death, where is your victory?

What a weekend it has been for Faith Baptist Church and the Robbins' household. On Friday morning we got the phone call saying that after a long, hard battle with sickness, a dear lady from our church had gone home to Heaven.

The death of a believer brings such a paradox of emotions; on the one hand I grieve over the loss of someone who was another Grandma to me, yet at the same time I rejoice for her because she is now free from pain and experiencing fullness of joy in Heaven.

This song has meant a lot to me recently. It eloquently speaks of the paradox of a believer's homegoing. How thankful I am for the hope that we have through Jesus!

It is Not Death to Die

(Stanza 1)

It is not death to die,

To leave this weary road,

And join the saints who dwell on high

Who've found their home with God.

It is not death to close

The eyes long dimmed by tears,

And wake in joy before Your throne

Delivered from our fears.

(Chorus)

Oh Jesus, conquering the grave

Your precious blood has power to save.

Those who trust in You

Will in Your mercy find

That it is not death to die.

(Stanza 2)

It is not death to fling

Aside this earthly dust,

And rise with strong and noble wing

To live among the just.

It is not death to hear

The key unlock the door

That sets us free from mortal years

To praise You evermore.

(Chorus)

Oh Jesus, conquering the grave

Your precious blood has power to save.

Those who trust in You

Will in Your mercy find

That it is not death to die.

(2008 Sovereign Grace Praise)

(Words and Music by Henri Malan and Bob Kauflin)

One Short Day (Weekend)

This weekend, I saw two of the men that I love. Now before you are alarmed may I explain that one was my boyfriend, Stephen, and the other my brother, Nathan.

Friday morning found me leaving the house at 6:15 with mom and dad to go meet up with New Life (Faith's traveling music team) in St. Louis. The parents dropped me off at my dear friends', Joe and Becky Groppel's house, and I proceeded to go with the Groppel's to meet up with New Life. I must say that it was a wonderful moment when Steve and I saw each other after six weeks! ;-) We spent the day taking pictures at the Arch, walking around the city, eating at the Old Spaghetti Factory, getting caught in traffic, and racing through the zoo. It was such a blessing to be not only with Steve, but also with many dear friends that travel on the team.

Friday night we met up with the parents back at a church in Roxana, Illinois for the evening concert. What an incredible spiritual encouragement it was to hear the uplifting music, and be encouraged from the truth of God's Word. At the end of the concert I found myself in tears, moved by many emotions, and thankful to God for the special day He allowed me to spend with people I love.

I decided that saying goodbyes all over again felt like ripping open a scab that had just begun to heal. Goodbyes are painful, but time eases the sting...however, seeing people and being forced to leave again re-opens the wound. Oh well...relationships with people are worth the pain they may cause. ;-)

Saturday brought on the second round of excitement! Nathan arrived in the afternoon of the 4th with his team, the Gospel Heralds, from Appalachian Bible College. After they set up at the church we headed out for a big cook-out at the home of some church friends. Although it was a rainy, cloudy day, we managed to have fun playing Wii fit and Apples to Apples, talking, and preparing ourselves to watch fireworks on wet grass. The town fireworks were a little soggy, but enjoyable. I was blessed to get to know the people who are putting up with my brother all summer long. :-)

Today we were ministered to by the Gospel Heralds, and once again I was blessed to hear the God-focused music and testimonies. I also felt a certain amount of pride in seeing my little brother sing, preach, play the piano, and minister to the glory of God. He has matured and grown so much and it is an honor to be his big sister! ;-)

That concludes my all too short weekend....God is so good to allow us special times that break up the routine of life. Now a new week begins with a whole new set of challenges. I'll keep you posted!