Although a bit different than my usual posts, I wanted to share the speech I gave at my grandma’s celebration of life yesterday. She was such a wise women. She filled so many gaps in my life. I hope you can glean at least one take away

Grandma gave me a vivid example of God’s grace and strength. For example: she only got sweeter with age; she didn’t allow any bitterness into her life. Even when two of her precious grandchildren passed away at too young of an age, she surrendered to God’s sovereignty and told me that God’s grace and her trust in His judgement allowed her to get through those losses (and others). As she lost her sight, she focused on good memories and said those were such a blessing and a help from God.

Grandma taught me to focus on the eternal. One of my sons recently mentioned how much he likes Psalm 119; when I read it, verse 37 stood out to me; it says “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways”…grandma did just this as she was revived daily with reading God’s word….and then as her sight went, listening to it and spending time communicating with Him. she had read the bible from front to back at least 5 times during her time on this earth!!!

Grandma would routinely check in with God to discern if her priorities were His priorities for her life and make adjustments as the Holy Spirit led her. When I asked grandma what success meant to her she said: “Being satisfied with life as it is; not spending any time on regrets”.  Hmmmm. Just imagine….not spending ANY time on regrets and simply being satisfied with life as it is.

Grandma was skilled at focusing on others. She had humbled herself and served many people through being a nurse; being a friend to just about anyone she met; and volunteering in various capacities. She was an especially good listener, and so good at being empathetic and bearing others burdens with them. Just like Jesus, grandma never rushed; and if we too can learn the skill of slowing down, we will be less likely to miss divine appointments and opportunities.

Grandma also taught me the importance of giving a good hug. In my opinion, she was the best hugger; I always felt God’s love through her hugs

Grandma had an overflow of joy and shared that joy. The song “No one ever cared for me like Jesus” by Staffany Gretzinger summarizes grandma’s joy pretty well with the following words:

“If my heart could tell a story

If my life would sing a song

If I have a testimony

If I have anything at all

No one ever cared for me like Jesus

His faithful hand has held me all this way

And when I’m old and grey

Let it be known in you alone

My joy was found;

Let my children tell their children

Let this be their memory

That all my treasure was in heaven

And you were everything to me.

In Revelation, five crowns are mentioned that we may obtain for eternity depending on how we live our temporary lives on this earth:

1) the Crown of Life – which we will obtain if we endure well through trials

2) the Crown of Righteousness – those who live in right standing, have a strong faith and trust in God and who eagerly await Jesus’ return will obtain this one

3) the Crown of Glory – which entails faithful leadership is the 3^rd crown

4) the Crown of Joy – this one has to do with actively sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ; it is often referred to as “the soul-winner’s crown”

5) the Incorruptible Crown – which we can obtain from overcoming sin and fleshly desires is the last of them

I am 100% confident Grandma has a few crowns on her head today; well done Grandma….we will see you again someday and rejoice with you! Thank you for all your love….it made a tremendous impact.