My Opus (Thank You FreeRepublic: I Ain't Leaving)Vanity

Self ^ | March, 27 2003 | Fiddlstix

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

Blessings to you Fiddlestix;

I have yet to experience the death of my immediate loved ones; and as much as I wish I could, I realize my limitations trying to offer comfort and grace to you which comes from the experiences of others having endured the same situations.

[2 Cor. 1:3-4] 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comforts we ourselves have received from God.'

The Bible tells us in John 11:35 Jesus’ response to the pain of Lazaurs' family at his death.

“Jesus Wept”

How incredible to imagine, isn't it...how the God of the Universe knew their pain and cried.

The first time I heard the story behind my favorite hymn was when Pastor included it in a sermon one week long ago. To a new Christian at the time, it was an amazing [and likely familiar to you] story of testimony and unwavering faith which has since continued to touch my heart.

The wife and four children of Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago attorney, sailed from New York in the winter of 1873 on an ocean liner headed for Europe. Having been financially devastated by a recent fire in Chicago, Mr. Spafford was forced to remain behind to attend to business matters. In the darkness of the early morning hours of November 22, the French ship carrying Spafford’s family, the SS Ville du Harve, was struck in the Atlantic Ocean by an English ship known as the Lochearn. The Ville du Harve quickly sank, drowning Spafford’s four daughters in the cold waters. On his voyage to meet his grieving wife in Wales, Spafford was informed by the captain when they reached the approximate location where his children had perished.

Unable to sleep that night, he found refuge in God. Spafford clung to the Lord during his time of immense grief and wrote the words that have comforted untold numbers of hurting people throughout the years:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea-billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul!”

[ST.LOUIE1]

Gods blessings on you, Fiddl, my FRiend.

I hope this beautiful poem gives you comfort. It's true, you know. : )

"I Did Not Die"

Do not stand on my grave and weep
I am not there.... I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am a gentle autumns rain
When you awaken in the morning hush
I will be that swift uplifting rush
I am the birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
So do not stand on my grave and cry
I am not there......."I DID NOT DIE"

© Melinda Sue Pacho

[BossLady]

May God bless you with his grace and love in the days to come.....and always......

[potlatch]

I still cry about losing my Mother last July, Fiddlstix. You have been dealt terrible losses, that can cause you to become very depressed.

Friends can be a big help, and don't be afraid to ask your doctor for an anti-depressant medication if you need it. Prayers for you.

[MrJingles]

Prayers from your FReeper family...

[Bahbah]

Gpd will make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.

[MeekOneGOP]

When it rain, it pours. So sorry for the loss of you parents and your brother.

[Tijeras_Slim]

My you find comfort during these difficult times, and see brighter days ahead.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, bro. Thanks for the Clooney song - there's a great version of "This Old House" by Jimmy Dean, too!

[BlueAngel]

May God and His angels help to carry you through your difficult times.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks, folks . . .

[TexasCowboy]

Fiddlstix, we've been down some roads together, old friend.
You've got a lot of friends here on FR.
Hang on to 'em.
In times of sorrow, God gives us heroes and friends to dampen the pain.

Thanks for the bump, Xena.
Concerning the CHIEF, I'm not through yet.
Herb knows that as soon as I can get the time, I'll be back.

[eureka!]

Hang tough. My heartfelt condolences and prayers. Time heals all wounds and know that they are all in Good hands...

[eyespysomething]

27 months ago I lost my mother. 3 months ago I lost my father. I am blessed that my brother, who is ill, still has time with us. It is always amazing to me when others have the same heartbreak I do, and makes me realize that God works in mysterious ways.
You sound like you have had a blessed life. Praise God for that. And thank God your parents adopted another young man, who added to your family, and allowed more lvoe to be shared.

You will have extra prayers for you tonight.

[HiJinx]

Dear Lord, please take the pain from our FRiend Fiddlstix, help him know that You were there to welcome his family in Your loving arms, give him the Peace he so deserves. In Jesus' most precious Name, Amen.

[Prodigal Daughter]

I don't know what to say to you yet!, (but I'll think of something.) DOUBLE PING!!!

[Prodigal Daughter]

I'm sorry for your loss. Remember Fiddlstix that G-d keeps our tears in His bottle and records them in His book!!!! (Psalm 56:8) That verse has always amazed me and helped me through the hard times. These verses have helped me too:

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

But you might be able to find some for yourself that I haven't even thought of. Take care. T

[lowbridge]

PS: My prayers to you and your loved ones.

[bmwcyle]

God Bless you. I hate those goodbye threads.