Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 50 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

Tuesday 21 August 2018

Vale - Mike in Oz - 6.8.18

My dad reflected to me the characteristics of our Heavenly Father, for our "God is love."
Our dad was love.
It was his strongest characteristic. He loved his family, his friends,
he really loved being Poppa!
His grandchildren held a special place and our Great-poppa loved dearly loved his great-grandies too!
He loved people - teaching, painting, being helpful to any in need, generous, kind.

I'd like to share two memories.
Friday 27th, a good day, dad was very lucid. As I was hunting for something, finding it, dad said: “what was lost, is found”.
I turned around amazed and said “dad, do you know where that comes from?
 It is the story of the three lost things!”

Read in Luke 15, of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son. At end of each it says “rejoice with me, for I have found that which was lost.” And “there is joy in the presence of the angels in heaven over one sinner who is sorry for his sin.”

We looked on mobile at a painting of the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, carrying his little lost sheep on His shoulders.
That’s us dad, I said. He loves and carries His little lost sheep safely home. Home is heaven.
We read of it, for it is a truly beautiful place, no sin, sorrow, sickness darkness, pain or tears.. it’s as real as the world outside, without all its flaws.
Dad’s bright blue eyes now had a look of wonderment.  I asked if he believed in God and the dear Lord Jesus who came to find and save us? He said clearly, “I didn’t, but I do now.”

I was very privileged to be with my dad on his last day – Mon 6th Aug.

Knowing from personal experience when unconscious you can hear things, voices, etc. I read to him from the old well-worn Anglican prayer book from our youth, read some of the beautiful prayers for times like this, which are full of the glorious promises to each of us from God’s word.
Reading too in same book some of the comforting Psalms, Dad’s breathing became more relaxed, quieter - as the word flowed over his spirit.
I then sang three hymns, I knew he would know * Amazing Grace, *Just A Closer walk with Thee, and * the Lord is my Shepherd.
For Dad now loved the Good Shepherd. 
As we came to:
“…Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore, My dwelling place shall be..”
.. dad gave a sigh and passed over.

Dad’s peace in passing was remarkable - remarked upon by many..
 – by family, but most of all by caring wonderful staff at the nursing home, who see this sort of thing often.
In his last few days dad was so very peaceful – for he’d met the One Who is the Prince of Peace.
 
 Thanks so much for all of you who've prayed and sent loving thoughts this way.
You're deeply appreciated. I am taking leave from blogland for few months but will be back, God willing. :D
Lord bless and keep you all and I pray you too like dad ...whether  you are 12 as I was or 89 like my dad, You will come to know the LORD Jesus as our own Saviour. 
If we could get to heaven on our own merit, by what we do, there was no need for Jesus to come and die for us - which is a historical fact. We need the risen LORD as our Saviour today!
Hugs, and may prayers,
Shaz in Oz.x 

(Photos either my own or via Google.)

17 comments:

Cathy said...

Beautiful post Shaz, take care and hope to see you back soon, Cathy x

stampinganja said...

This is a beautiful post, so true!!! Thanks for taking the time to write this!
You will miss your Dad here on earth but meet again in heaven.
Wishing you strength and peace, Anja

Betsy said...

Amen and Amen! What a beautiful memory that you shared with us dear Shaz. I thank you for taking the time to write this to all of us today in your time of grief. To know that we too, can experience the joy of heaven is a wonderful thing and makes the time on this earth bearable. Take the time you need to rest and heal. We will be here when you return.
Much love and many blessings to you my dear sister,
Betsy

LilArtsyWoman said...

Thanks for opening up your heart to many. I enjoyed the post through tears. But they are tears of joy knowing who my Father in heaven is and what He has done for me and many others. Take care and continue to reflect.

loz said...

Beautiful post for your Dad Shaz.. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.. Hugs Loz

Conniecrafter said...

Oh Shaz, so good to hear that your Dad learned of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus before he passed on, so good to hear that God blessed him with a peace before he passed, and that you were able to be with him and share in that time that he passed over to be with his Lord. May you find peace and comfort as you learn to live without him here on this earth!

brenda said...

Such a beautiful post Shaz written with such grace and love. You will miss your Dad as I still miss mine but time does heal and takes you to a place of acceptance and reflection where happy memories help get you through.

Sending love and prayers to you0 and your family.

B x

Anne said...

It has been such a privilege to know Mike through what you have shared with us, such treasured memories and photos. We were so delighted when he gave his life to Jesus, knowing that he found peace and rest in his Saviour's arms is joy beyond understanding! God blessed him with the time to find Him but I urge anyone reading this not to believe in the '11th hour'. Give your life to Jesus now! I can't wait to see you dear Sis, vendredi!!!! xxx

kiwimeskreations said...

Shaz I know what you said regarding the peace your Dad experienced as he trusted Jesus in his final days - I too saw that with my father as I read psalms to him, and also DH did not need any sedation as he was so at peace knowing that he was soon to meet Jesus. Hugs and prayers precious sister - may you know Christ's presence with you as you grieve the loss of your precious earthly father.
Blessings
Maxine

Janet Christensen said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful post of peace and grace. May you find comfort in these upcoming days mourning and joy in the salvation of Jesus.

Brenda said...

Very beautifully written Sharon and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn/yet celebrate your father's passing. I say celebrate because we both know where he is now-where a lot of us wants to be, with the Lord Jesus. You take all the time you need my friend, as you know we will all be right here waiting for your return when you are ready. Love, hugs and blessings, Brenda

Sunshine Country said...

Praying for you in your time of sadness in losing your dad, but such a blessing and comfort it must be to know he came to know the Lord and you will see him again!

Gail said...

May you find comfort with friends & family.
Sorry to hear about your loss.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, precious Shaz, what a beautiful post and a wonderful photo of your dad and Vale. What a joy to read of your reading to dad from the Psalms, and I totally agree that God uses His Word (whether someone is conscious to us) to draw them to Himself. Over the years God has planted His Truth in your dad's mind, and I rejoice in knowing that we all shall meet your dad (and you) and spend eternity with our Lord. Oh, what a day that shall be! In the meantime, precious sister, you rest and find comfort in knowing where dad (poppa) is now, and may you take time to grieve the loss of your earthly daddy and know that your God will guide you and the family as well. We are praying for you all. It's very clear where you got love, generosity, and kindness -- from your dad, and you certainly love people. We love YOU so very dearly! Much love and tender hugs, precious one!! God is near to the brokenhearted, but one day He shall wipe away all our tears. Love you so much! xoxo

Di said...

Oh Shaz, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad - a very special man. Sending you loads of love and healing hugs. I know, it's a shame I can't make the crop but it's just too far for me. Which is a bit rich seeing as you're making a slightly longer journey than I would be.

Take care and know you're in my heart and thoughts Shaz.

Love

Di xx

Megan J said...

Hi Shaz, sending hugs and thoughts on the passing of your dear father, you shared some wonderful moments with him in his last days. Thinking of you... Megan

Brenda in IN said...

What a beautiful post for your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. It's a sweet blessing that he was so peaceful at his passing and knowing God is receiving him into His arms.

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