My Grandpa

My Grandpa has set such a great example of what it is to trust God fully and praise Him even when your life is coming close to an end (literally). He knows where he will be going when the Lord has deemed his life on earth finished. We will all miss him so terribly, but we know that when the Lord calls him home he will no longer be in pain and will walk with the Lord for all eternity. What a glorious thought to know you will soon see Jesus . . . to finally reach your destination and forever rejoice.
My family and I have been visiting my grandpa a lot lately . . . doing our best to get as much time with him before the Lord takes him from us. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and I thank God for every day that he continues to be with us.
His faith and strength is such an inspiration to me. Seeing his smiling face brings such joy to my heart. Whenever I see him I watch him closely -- carefully etching his face in my mind so that I will never forget his smile or that gentleness in his eyes.
Yesterday I got to see him again. He has been in a lot of pain lately and rarely ever gets hungry, but it was so great to see his spirits up yesterday and so nice to see that his pain was bearable for a while. He even ate with us . . . very little, but at least it was something. I couldn't help but smile when I'd see his sense of humor shine through and he'd get that playful smile across his face.
Today I was listening to this one song on the internet entitled "I will Rise" by Chris Tomlin. Whenever I hear that song these days it makes me think of my grandpa. These are the Lyrics . . .

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb" 

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that drawing near when the Lord will call him home and he will rise and bow before the Lord. When it speaks of the peace that he's come to know though his heart and flesh may fail reminds me of my grandpas peace and strength . . . he says all is well and praises God.

"And I will rise when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagles' wings. Before my God fall on my knees And rise, I will rise ."

I just love this song!