Thanksgiving day was busy, including sitting in grades (actually standards) 1-4 for our Karen teacher. I totally forgot that it was Thanksgiving until Hannah said something about it when she was making lunch. My thoughts pretty much suddenly began focusing in on one channel--my friends and family in my old homeland.
 |
| Young Disciple Mission Experience 2009 team! |
However, the pain of separation didn't hit me until Friday.
Friendship...
I love a quote that I read the other day that said something like, "Memories are never past."
That is so true. Those treasured, unforgettable, both small and big memories have an effect upon our present and future friendships with each other.
 |
| Young Disciple Mission Experience 2011 team! |
I'm very thankful that God has given me many godly friends who are seeking to be pure and wholly His and who don't want to be tainted and torn by the demoralizing, deadly influence of this world. Friends, such as these, are loyal and are ever drawing me to our heavenly, most precious Friend, Immanuel.
Sweet memories flood my soul. So many memories that will never be forgotten.
 |
| WA Family Camp 2011! |
Some of the most treasured are those of doing different outreach activities like mission trips (Young Disciple Mission Experiences '09 and '11), colpeurtering, and working as a counselor at Young Disciple Camps '09 and '10.
Some other precious memories have been built upon many years of going to WA Restoration International Family Camp. (I have gone to WA Family Camp most years since I was a little girl.)
Of course, there are a LOT more memories that I could share, but way too many for a blog post.
Even though I miss you all and spending time with you; and I would love to make more memories with you, I more than anything can't wait 'till we'll all be reunited when Jesus comes. Oh, what a blessed reunion that will be! Just to know that we'll be spending all eternity together along with Jesus, all heaven, and the saved of all ages! We can't physically be with each other right now, but someday very soon we WILL to NEVER part again!
My dear friends, keep your eyes upon the mark of your high calling through Jesus Christ. The clamor of this world will only bring you emptiness, sorrow, and pain. But in Jesus, there is JOY greater than anyone and anything in this world could ever even try to offer and nothing is more fulfilling than to follow the special plan He has just for you. Being a co-worker with Jesus brings so much JOY...It brings life into the soul!
See you all in heaven...and maybe for some of you who are far away, it will be sooner!!! I love you and am praying for you! :)
Praying for you too Sharon! May the Lord continually bless you and your family with wisdom, courage and perfect joy and peace!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cortney! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Sharon! It's special reading your posts, and this one particularly so. Although I am still one of the few of us that hasn't left the area, it's sad seeing you, Hannah, Deborah, the various of our brothers, all leave. Yet, it is necessary to separate and go to the far corners of the earth, wherever it is that God calls us to serve Him. I'm thankful to read about your work. Thanksgiving must have had a very different twist then in past years- in such a more meaningful way, I do believe. I love you lots! Praying for you! (hugs)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to be alone. It's hard to let old days go. It's hard to say good-bye and it's especially hardest at times of festivity, family time, and special memories...right now. But these are only for a moment. You're laying up treasure in heaven and those treasures are lasting. You've always been an inspiration to me. Praying for you all. Courage until we get there.
ReplyDeleteDearest Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI'm slow to catch up on your Thanksgiving post, but I just wanted to let you know that I, too, am so thankful for our precious friendship. I love you and hope to make many more memories together...maybe even some on this side of the world!
Hugs, sweet sister (to you and Hannah)!
Sarah VH
Cami, it would be difficult being one of the only's still there, but God has kept you there thus far for a special mission that no one else could ever do. separation truly is hard to go through, but you are so right that it is necessary to separate in order for us to fulfill God's special plan for our lives. It would actually be terrible if all true friends stuck together. It would be a much greater struggle for the gospel to reach the entire world and we would not be fulfilling the high calling that God has given. The Lord's will must come first. I'm thankful that what I share is a blessing and an encouragement and I pray that it always will be. Thanksgiving was quite different, for sure! For one thing, the whether in general and the beautiful nature didn't exactly make one feel like it's Thanksgiving. (However, it does get cold enough (60s-70s)in the mornings to ware socks, a jacket, and 1-2 blankets at night.) It's quite strange...It was a lovely busy day morning but a little relaxed in the afternoon, so I was able to think more about life and friends back in old home, then. I love you very much, too! Keep your heart in His hands. (hugs) back!
ReplyDeleteVanessa, you are right! That and Christ are what make life worth living. Thanks for sharing, for praying, and for the encouragement. :) Love you!
ReplyDeleteAwe, dear Sarah, you are a gift from the Lord. I too hope that we can make many more memories together and definitely some either in Thailand or Cambodia. I still would love to visit your school, sometime. Maybe, we can during a school break in the future. :) Happy Sabbath! (Thah koo oh bweh nee--happy day)Hugs back from your sisters! Love you bunches.
ReplyDelete