Bittersweet Day

Well October 27th is this week. This may be a regular day for you. For me, it's a bittersweet day. Two things are marked for this date. They both are a happy/sad thing really.
The first one....18 years ago on this date God gifted me with my baby girl. We have been blessed to watch her grow up! All children are God's gift! She has been a gift to me and her daddy.
THEN = Tabitha Daniele Wilson 21" long and 7# 4 oz.
NOW = Tabi 5'5" tall and not too big to sit on my lap!
We have watched her blond piggy tails turn into auburn waves. My memories of my little girl are many. She wore spaghetti several times. She has always been "Me DO, Momma!" independent! She's not afraid of much. She wanted to pickup a huge snapping turtle that wandered into the yard, even though it was bigger than her!. She loves animals! She's sweet and very well mannered. (I know, I'm bragging!) She is quick witted. Her one-liners crack us up! I'm sure I will shed tears on Oct 27th when I think about my gift of a daughter turning into an adult!
The second one.... The man I call my Dad was escorted to the Great White Throne of My Lord and Savior on this day one year ago. It has been a heart tugging year for my mother, my brother, me and others in my extended family. I know that life goes on. The pain isn't any smaller, isn't any easier, isn't any lesser. But my pain of losing Richard Donald Hall has changed. I still miss him, always will. The rawness of my grief has changed though. The scab of my grief is healing as all wounds do. Will it leave a scar? Yes, but I want it to heal. I don't want to pick at the scab. I have friends who have also lost a parent or both last year and this year. They know what I'm talking about.
This just came to my mind.... Lost is not the right word. Because I didn't lose him. I know where my Dad went. Do you know where your family will go? Will they be escorted to the Great White Throne of my Lord and Savior or will they be sent to Hell? I know that's harsh! But if you are not sure about your or your family's salvation, that's the choices. Even if you are sure, that's the choices! Who in your life can you say that are or are not saved? I'm not talking about actions. Anybody can be good and good works won't get you into Heaven. Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? If it's not, it is so easy to get it written there! Jesus gave His life for your sins! That still boggles my little brain! How can some one love me (my sins are many and filthy!) so much, they are willing to suffer "excruciating" pain for me? I'm not sure. Would I give my life for my children? YES, without a second's hesitation. That's as close as I can come to why God loves me so much! I'm His child. Back to the easiness of this gift. All you have to do is:
Admit that you are a sinner
Believe that Jesus died and rose again for you!
Confess Him as Lord and Savior of your life.
Yes, it is that easy. You don't have to be good to become a Christ-follower. God will change your heart! Don't let others tell you any different! You dont' have to dress a certain way, or go to a certain church! Please don't let religion (yours or others) keep you from seeking the Lord! I was raised Baptist. But ya know what, that won't get me into Heaven. My name on a church roll won't either! I have to be a Christ-follower first and foremost!
Living my life like today is my last day, DA