When life goes whack, when things in this life unimaginably, horrifically and suddenly head south just hold on to Jesus. When words seem to fail you, He'll get you through it.
I still want to hope. I still believe wakin' up holding on to my living hope. There's so much you and I can't know, that I don't know. But we can know Him who holds tomorrow.
Of course I always prefer sayin'.. "See you later" rather than goodbye or even R.I.P. (Our second son was into action and adventure, not passivity, not much into stoppin', pausing or restin'.)
When departing here, believer to believer can truthfully say - "See you later, loved one."
Glad believers have a living hope with Christ. We'll have our Family reunion a bit later.. with Him.
"He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch." Psalm 147:3-6 msg
When feelin' down, when sadness seems to surround your family, when tears roll down your face, when hurtin' shows up, just remember all that He said.
He can easily do it.. exchanging beauty for an unexpected ash-heap, and His strength for your fears.
When life seems to have mowed ya down and it's hard to move on? He'll help ya up again. Remember His words -- He heals those crushed in spirit, binding up all their wounds.
How great Jesus is! His power and truth are absolute! His understanding is unlimited. There's joy comin' in the morning.
"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them.." Isaiah 61:3-4 nlt
Am re-reading Randy Alcorn's great book today. We're feeling broken, shocked and crushed inside. Thank you, Randy, for your keen insight. Never needed God's words more.
"Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:5-6
"So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing." msg
Am rereading those words slowly.. again and again.
Been surrounded by those weeping today (me included. It comes in waves). I guess we all can rejoice that Nathan is finally relieved of his PTSD, loneliness, and cruel memories of Iraq. Though Nathan obeyed orders and did his soldier assignments well when on the field, he used to stateside sincerely apologize to those he thought he saw were from there.
Thought we'd have more time with our second son Nathan Michael Schleicher. he passed on September 1st, 2021 and the cause of this has not yet been determined. They said it'll take two to three months to get the toxicology test results back and then we all can know.
Feelin' grateful inside. Thank you so much, friends, and thanks, Lord (best Friend, stickin' tight by, closer than a brother).
We can like feel some mighty strong grace here. Can't even begin to describe -- wish I could.
We were five here, but now four..yet all four of us in this family sincerely wish you well. Well and blessed on every level.
Please, if you haven't already, decide soon to make reservations (for eternity) in advance.. because there's only one Way on in ..and you've perhaps heard this before. Please listen up.
Heaven is 100% a home of love, of pure truth with no error mixed in, and of warmhearted Family reunion. But to put this decision off.. I mean "choosing life in the Son," I mean deciding to turn and trust Jesus with your life.. is basically to say no to God and all He has planned for you.
Please come to the Jesus of the Bible as you are today, willing to be changed by God as he works from the inside out.
He'll forgive any of us -- did me. This is not new to you perhaps, but he gladly does this for any of us because we've all fallen short of his righteousness and holy standards.
You know Christ honors our free will, won't ever push or barge his way into our lives.
Decide right now. So right here and now is good, just to nail it down. Get it right with Him.
Wanna be in our heavenly home with you. It's not far off. (Here's how)
God’s the one who rebuilds, who revives and restores us. He is the One who regathers, reunites and mends the scattered exiles. He heals the heartbroken and bandages up their wounds. "He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again."
Liney just did the obit:
Nathan Michael v. Schleicher at age 36, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in Dallas, TX. He was born March 30, 1985 to Kurt and Linda (Liney) von Schleicher in Grand Prairie, TX.
Nathan attended Newman Smith High School after which he joined the Army and proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division and served several tours in Iraq. He always loved his country and his fellow soldiers and even after being severely wounded after his hummer was blown up and he found himself waking up in a European Hospital, he insisted on going back to Iraq to help and serve alongside them.
Nathan loved music and played the guitar and wrote and sang many songs. As a young child he gave his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and never hesitated to share his faith with everyone. He spent four years of his childhood on the mission field in Augsburg, Germany.
Survivors include his Parents, Kurt and Liney von Schleicher, two Brothers Stephan-John and Christian-Andreas, Grandparents Kim and Betty in San Clemente, California, three nieces and two nephews. A Christ-focused memorial service for Nathan will be held in the stone chapel building at:
Prestonwood Baptist Church at 6801 West Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75093 on Friday September 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
I might even add to that.. "Christian parents don't really have much in common with their children until each of their children have of their own personal volition, decided to turn, trust and enter God's forever family. Think about the agape-factor. How else can they enjoy rich koinonia fellowship together?" ~ Yours truly KvS
I can't share all of it (cuz I want to show respect), but couple days ago Liney and I received a NEW long letter from a young dad.. our third son (who has been busy hurting and yet helping us with many practicalities). Here's part of it...
"Just wanted to let you both know that I love you and y'all did a great job raising us. I'm sorry y'all are having to bury your son. I can't imagine what that would be like, but I know how much Heath means to me and I would never want to experience what y'all have experienced today. I'm just so sorry.. I love you both. Let me know what I can do to help with anything." ~ Christian Andreas v.S.
