This is exactly how my mom “flew” to Jesus, too. We were singing the same verse of the same song. Chills!
Whenever Robert traveled any distance—perhaps driving to an appointment or an airport or flying to another city—when he reached his destination, he would text me a single word: Safe. He wanted to let me know that he had arrived.
I'm writing to let you know that Robert is “safe.” My “DH” (dear husband) has arrived at his final destination. He is safely Home.
Over the last few days, several close friends and family members have kept vigil with me around Robert’s bed, singing hymns, praying, waiting, weeping . . . and worshiping. His children and grandchildren (who we were able to spend time with less than a month ago) said good-bye through FaceTime.
Last night, one of Robert’s brothers and his wife spent the night with me in the hospital room. Robert’s breathing had been slowing down, with longer pauses between each one.
Just before 5:00 this morning, I was prompted to play a beautiful song called “Come to Jesus.” The last stanza says:
And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side.
And fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live.
On the phrase, “with your final heartbeat,” Robert took a gasping breath. We watched intently, waiting to see if he would take another one. It was to be his last.
At the end of the chorus, Robert’s brother said softly, with wonder and awe: “He just flew to Jesus!”
It was a sacred, glorious moment. An incredible gift from the Lord.
We left Robert’s tired, worn-out body in the hospital room. Soon it will be laid into the ground. But Robert has never been more alive. This faithful, courageous, precious man of God has entered his eternal rest and reward—not because of anything he did to deserve it, but because of the magnificent, redeeming grace and love of Christ.
Many tears have been shed in these days. And there will be many more to come. Robert loved me in a way I had never before imagined possible. The Lord gave us an amazing ten years together (122 months next week!), to joyfully love and serve Him, each other, and others. Robert has been an exquisite treasure to me. It feels surreal to think of him being gone.
But I know that one day, in the resurrection, Robert’s body will be transformed “into the likeness of [Christ’s] glorious body” (Phil 3:21). No more sickness, sadness, suffering, or sorrow.
Steve Green’s “Safely Home” has been ministering grace to my heart this morning. I hope you’ll take time to listen to it and to give thanks with me for God’s mercy in taking Robert to live in the house of the Lord forever.
“Today there's sorrow.
But joy tomorrow.
Safely home.”
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Linda Patch retweeted
Wake up each day this year committed to live in the 10,000 little moments of your daily life with open eyes and humbly expectant hearts.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
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Linda Patch retweeted
There comes a point in every believer’s life when you realize you had everything backward: you thought you were holding on to the promises of God and you realize, no, those promises were holding on to you with an iron grip.
You supposed that were striding along the path of holiness but, no, you, an unholy sinner, are being borne along on the shoulders of the Holy One of God.
You thought you had a tight grip on the word and work of Jesus but, no, you were held captive, seized, nailed to Jesus himself, with whom you co-die and are co-buried and rise to newness of life.
You silly Christian, you never had a single thing to do with it; it was all done to you and for you while God, for a time, just let you carry on your little daydream that you had a little skin in the game of salvation.
But now you awake to the reality; it was Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, all along, doing it all for you and in you.
I don’t usually post about politics because it is so divisive. But today I am proud to announce that two weeks ago, Cooper’s student loans were paid in full! It was important to try and get this paid while the interest was waived.
Now today, with Biden’s new plan, we get to
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Ever have one of those days where all you want to do is go home and put the covers over your head? Today was that for me! To top the day off, I almost didn’t make it home! Someone ran a red light and almost smacked right into me. Luckily I have good brakes! Home now! 🙏🙏🙏
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It’s my actual 59th birthday today and holding… At least until my 65th birthday when I will qualify for Medicare.
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Linda Patch retweeted
God’s plans for you are motivated by boundless love and amazing grace. Follow him.
Linda Patch retweeted
The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.
— Elisabeth Elliot
Linda Patch retweeted
Put your little story about what people have done to you into the big story of what Jesus did for you, and you’ll have the power you need to forgive rather than be twisted by anger and to seek justice rather than revenge.
Linda Patch retweeted
MUST WATCH: A man from #Kentucky lost his home after the #tornado Yet, here he sits at his piano playing the @Gaithermusic tune, “There’s Something About That Name.” The peace that passes understanding. #ARwx @FOX16News @KARK4News @NWS @HaydenNix – at Sherwood, AR
Had a great weekend spending time with other Pastor’s wives. It was a blessing to hear from Gretchen Ronnevik sharing truth to us from God’s Word. @garonnevik
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Linda Patch retweeted
Little defeats are easier to handle when you know your life is marching toward the ultimate victory of victories.
Linda Patch retweeted
God knows all of our unknowns, he has solved all of our mysteries and he rules what is out of our control. So, we can rest in his care, even though there is so much we don’t understand.
Linda Patch retweeted
"Our purpose is the same as every church regardless of location, region, demographics, significance, or number of stoplights." -@katie_n_dallas
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