Grandpa Olson went to be with Jesus

Grandpa

As I stand up here and mourn that you are gone

I remember what you said in your last days

As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “ For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you for your progress and joy of faith that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”

Philippians 1:23-25

You so badly wanted to stay and see your grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up.

But your ultimate desire was to be with Christ in Heaven.

As a child growing up I got to know you as a grandfather who truly loved me.

As an adult, in the last two years I got to know you as a man of God.

You were an example of the two most important things,

You loved God with all your heart soul and mind,

And you loved others.

You were devoted and looked forward to going to church every Sunday.

You even went with me and sat in for two services as I served in the children’s ministry.

You never missed a family get together and your face just lit up when you were around the little ones.

I will never forget when Rory asked you to put her shoes on, you were so fragile, but you did it with compassion.

You never complained about anything instead you were always thankful.

You were fun with all your one liners “fit as a fiddle” and your teasing,

Chasing me with your long arms and trying to cheat while we played Yahtzee.

You were a faithful husband, a loving father, a playful grandfather and great grandfather and a man of integrity, a man of God.

I am going to miss you so much as I grow up and live after your example,

But ultimately I am going to look forward to being with Christ in heaven and seeing you again.

I will love you and remember you always,

Your granddaughter, Bryanna

My Mommy, My Daddy

This blog is one that means a lot to me. Its about my relationship with my mother and father. They may not know this but I love them very much!!! I have gone through a lot with them. I know I haven't always been the greatest... if anything I have been a big pain in the BUTT!!! I hurt right now just knowing what I have put them through. This poem came to me because just recently I spent time with them and even though I was going through a hard time, it was the biggest blessing. The poem is about a time when I was so mad at them I told them I never wanted to see them again. And this was not that long ago. This is my heart... Hurt, asking for forgiveness.

My mommy, my daddy
I have caused you so much pain
Thinking only of myself, I passed the blame
I have been trying to find a way to understand
But I can't see the picture of God's plan.
My mommy, my daddy
I don't think I can live with out you
I know because of me your breaking in two
With tears running down my face
I have been changed by God's grace
My mommy, my daddy
Please forgive me for the way that I have treated you
I love you so much, I wish you knew
I pray that you see Jesus in me
I know that God has huge plans, just wait and see
My mommy, my daddy
I am not going anywhere
Being with out you is too much to bare

Please forgive me!

PATIENCE

This does not include a poem, but I still wanted to share it. I was in the word the other night and an old memory verse came to mind.

"God blesses people who patiently endure testing, afterward they with
receive the crown of life that God promises to those who love him."

James 1:12

This verse spoke to me in so many ways and the thing that stood out the most to me was patience!
We all know it is so hard to have patience when we go through trials so I needed to brainstorm some things that I need to think about and do to help me have patience... this is what I came up with.

1. Eliminate insecurities
   
2. Ask for strength
3. Trust that God is really there to help
4. Live by principle, not by pride
5. Pray constantly
6. Listen to God's instructions and do what He says!!!
7. Do not complain... be thankful instead
8. Seek prayer from your brothers and sisters in Christ
9. Constantly lift up others
10. Admit you are weak
11. Ask for forgiveness
    
12. Control your tongue
13. Put others before yourself
14. Lean not on your understanding
15. and Trust only God to lead you!!!

Please add to the list and as a family we can help each other to be patient in times of testing and in the midst of trials.

DIFFICULTY

Difficulty is something we all go through and I have spent too much time throwing a pitty party for myself. God has been knocking on my heart over and over and I have finally answered! Praise God. Here is a poem that I wrote about difficulty and how God uses it. I hope it touches you.

Difficulty... everything is associated with it.

A break up that led to feeling the Lord's presence and Jesus' touch.

Betrayal by friends that was healed by an amazing fellowship.

Depression and barely holding on that was replaced with an indescribable peace.

Being all alone to having a best friend that is in every way perfect.

Abuse that still needs healing but is promised to be used mightily.

A miscarriage that was unexpected, created a huge heart for God's precious children.

A broken marriage that is too painful to bare but then Jesus romances and chases his bride.

Having no money, and not knowing whats to come, tests our faith; He promises to provide.

The lose of a loved one became the motive to share the word with everyone.

Difficulty... everything is associated with it...

but with CHRIST its always worth it!!!