Grandma Thursa Talbert

Born July 15, 1924

Died Janurary 27th, 2014

 

Some may or may not know, but my grandmother past away a little over a month ago. It was not a surprise as her health had been failing for a number of years. Still, it was difficult to believe she was really gone. Sadly, I did not know or appreciate her as much as I would like to say. She is my father's mother, on which that side of family I am have not always been that close to.  Though, I will always remember her as a strong willed and spunky lady. I went to visit her when I was a little girl and she loved plants and flowers. She had a front screened-in porch and would water her plants and sit in her rocker every morning. When she went to live with my aunt and uncle, she always sent me nice cards or made me jewelry from her beads. She was extremely independent and stuborn, but always so giving. She was a strong woman, a mother of eight children, a grandmother of eleven and great grandmother of one.  I miss her. Everyone says I favor her, which I am honored if I do. I'm so glad she is in heaven now.

 

Recently, a very young family in our church lost a sister, wife and mother. She was young and had two young children, 3 & 6 years old. They are not sure of a cause of death except that she was given a cordorzone shot and it basically shut down all her major organs. We cannot be sure why these things happen but we cling to the truth that God is soverign and in control. I hurt for the family, especially the husband and children. Only God's grace will bring them through this heartbreaking event. We do have faith and believe that she is in heaven. A much happier place. A much better place.

 

Death can be scary but for those who know the Lord and have accepted him as their Savior and believe in Him, know that this world is not our home. There is a place the Lord has prepared for us and He is waiting there. (John 14:3) Some live a long full life like my grandmother and some the Lord takes sooner like this young woman. But God's ways are not our ways, they are much higher than ours. (Is. 55) I cannot for one second imagine my life without my loved ones, especially my husband. That's why not only has it become more important to me to make sure I tell my husband and family I love them but it has also become so important for me to pray for the family that don't have the assurance of heaven.  I have a home in heaven, for that I am grateful. All it required of me was to bow my head and ask the Lord Jesus to forgive me of my sins and thank Him for paying the price for me on the cross.

 

At my grandmother's funeral, I was not amazed at the number of people there, nor the wonderful things that were said about her, but at how many people sat as far back as they could. I'm sure some were trying to be curtious of the family but it also seemed there were so many that did not want to face death. My own cousin starred at the casket in hopelessness. What would my life be like if I could not face death with certainty? It not because I am not scared of death but because I know my life is in the Lord's hands and that is the safest place it will ever be. Some are afraid to trust in Jesus because it would require they give up a certain lifestyle or are afraid because they cannot "see" for sure what will happen to them. This is why we are required to walk by faith and not by sight. And let me tell you, there is nothing sweeter than allowing faith to take over. It would be better to place your life in the everlasting arms of Christ, than to face uncertainty for the rest of your life.

 

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

 

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

 

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

 

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

 

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

 

For those who are reading this and do not know they have a home in heaven, please make a decision. You will either reject or accept Christ. There is no middle ground. He wants you to accept him. Read Luke 19:10.

 

Please pray for the Botts family. This is the family I spoke about above. Pray that God will give them comfort, grace and peace that only He can give. (Phil. 4:7)