IN THE SWEET BY AND BY

Gideon and his truck have just left my driveway. He will cross the Mojave Desert and twelve hours from now will be reunited with his beloved wife, Alta on the Navajo Reservation where they live.  Gideon and I had breakfast on our deck before the sun came up, prayed together and he left by 6:30. An eternal friendship with Gideon and Alta started by his asking me to play "Amazing Grace" at the Apple Shed. In a week Gideon will host his brother from Israel. They will travel and sight-see together for many days.  Gideon's passionate desire: that his brother see Jesus in him. Do you remember his story? ...born and raised on a God-rejecting kibbutz in Israel. ...the son of Holocaust survivors who like many other Jews fled to Israel after the war.  Gideon has been transformed by the indwelling Christ.

How well I remember the awful rejection I felt from my family when I came to know Christ and He began to change me. I was called a "fanatic", "religious nut" and I have blocked out the other names.  My family separated from me. ....until my brother's wife left him and he called Ted and me in Minneapolis. ...in shock. We weren't shocked. My brothers were both self-serving, demeaning-to-women, controlling men. ..and to think I struggled with wanting to please both.  I, the little sister had been longing for validation even for my existence from both of them.  They were my "idols".  All of my life, the Lord has sent me people who have suffered in like manner.  When finally we are able to believe that Jesus deems us worth every drop of His blood ("Father, if Thou art willing, remove the cup from Me, yet not My will, but Thine be done." Luke 22:42)  our Lord begins the healing process.  For many, it takes a lifetime of reassurance.

Next Friday night, the 19th,  at 6:30  Gayel, Frank, Maria, Michele and I will play and sing about Heaven along with whoever shows up to sing with us at Country Oaks Baptist Church on Schout Road.  I will send you a link when this Singalong has been uploaded for viewing.

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME; I'LL FLY AWAY; UNCLOUDED DAY; I SAW THE LIGHT
JUST A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS; POWER IN THE BLOOD; GIVE ME THAT OLD TIME RELIGION; LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS; VICTORY IN JESUS; DRINKING AT THE SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER; OLD RUGGED CROSS; STANDING ON THE PROMISES; IN THE SWEET BY AND BY; IT IS NO SECRET; BLESSED ASSURANCE; LIFE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN RAILROAD; HE'S THE LILY OF THE VALLEY; A NEW NAME IN GLORY; PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND; WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS; I'VE GOT A MANSION JUST OVER THE HILLTOP; HOW GREAT THOU ART; SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER? PEACE IN THE VALLEY; JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE; I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS; FARTHER ALONG WE'LL KNOW ALL ABOUT IT; CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD; ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD; AT CALVARY; TO GOD BE THE GLORY; TELL ME THE OLD OLD STORY; ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME; PASS ME NOT O GENTLE SAVIOUR; SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING; TRUST AND OBEY AND AMAZING GRACE.

As we lead these Heaven-songs, may we DEcrease so that Jesus can INcrease.  Praise You, dear Jesus, for however you want to use these songs written by the saints who are with you in Heaven now.  In Jesus' Precious Name.  Amen.

                                        IN THE SWEET BY AND BY

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

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

Love, Jo