Ellen: Friends Who Have Gone On Before Us

This post is in loving memory of my precious friend, Ellen Anderson. I can post her last name for she is no longer a resident of this world but has been enjoying her Heavenly Home since January 11, 2001. Ellen and her family were transplants from Michigan to our lovely southern town. She was a go-getter from the get-go and loved to serve God by serving others. Our dear Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer some three years before her death. (My "fake" hug in the picture of us was because she couldn't have personal contact during the worst part of her treatments.) Ellen fought valiantly and was convinced until the very end that God was going to heal her. And you know what? Ellen wasn't one bit disappointed when she entered Heaven's portals and realized that she had received the ultimate healing. I miss my friend and look forward to seeing her again.

As I think of Ellen, I know there are so many friends who left our church congregation during our 20 years there to take up residence in Heaven. Let's see.... Elva A, Katrina W, Kae A, Joe C, Ronnie E, Speed and Irene H, Bill H, Irene H, Buddy H, Bill K, George H, Thomas J, Katharine P, Alice P, Arthur and Willie P, Duell and Thelma C, Pete P, Roland H, Ovie S, B.J. and Emma Jean G, Vera G, James H, Wynell H, Minnie K, Maudell L,Bill P, Shirley S, JJ T, Stella E, Minnie G, Mary D, Harold K, Betty J, Pauline B, Fred K, Alice P.......

I know there are many that I am leaving out. Thank God that He never leaves anyone out who has been saved through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully all of these who have gone on before us were saved and are enjoying eternity with God. I am assured of a home in Heaven.... not because I am worthy (I'm not!) but because I have repented of my sins and have received Christ as my Personal Savior. Where will you spend eternity? If you aren't sure, please email me at long4heaven@cox.net. Don't put off salvation, for no one is assured another breath on this earth.

I know a famous author

Well....... I haven't actually met JENNIFER SEEST in person, but I surely feel like I know her. We email back and forth; and I've read her books which share a great part of her heart, so I feel like I know her quite well.

Jennifer's series of books called the BENNETT VIGNETTES are a delightful read, spiritually uplifting, and show God's sovereignty in stories that are quite exciting. (As you know, I have NOT been publishing anyone's last name... not even my own on this blog. BUT since Jennifer is a published author and I would love for you to read her books if you haven't already, I used her last name for otherwise how could anyone look for her books?)

In addition to being a published author, she is first and foremost a dedicated CHRISTIAN, Daniel's wife, and the mother of their two children: Caleb and Lydia. Her children are home schooled and Jennifer recently told me that my daughter Amy will be her Caleb's video teacher this upcoming school year. How cool is that? Jennifer's little Lydia is a cute girl, and I know Jennifer is raising her to be a fine Christian little woman.

I am going to post Jennifer's website URL right here (http://our.homewithGod.com/ewerluvd)
so that you can peruse it to learn more about her, her family, AND her books which can be purchased directly from Jennifer. They are great reads for those who love Christian Fiction, and they make wonderful gifts.

So, I almost know a famous author. We just haven't had the physical meeting face to face to share a hug in person, but we have shared our hearts and desires to serve God in emails. Jennifer has enriched my life, and I am blessed to call her "friend."

Love to you and yours, Jennifer Seest!!!!!!!!!!

~~Your devoted fan, Susan

Steve, Trish, Jordynn and Jaycee

It's so neat how God brings along friends who are much younger than you and, in spite of the age difference, there is a genuine love and compatibility in the LORD. These are friends such as that. We knew Steve and Trish and their darling little girls at our church "back home." Steve was on staff at our church and taught in the Christian school. Trish was his supportive wife, the girls' full-time mom, and was very active in ministry in her own right. We have always thought the world of this young couple and their children.

It is so neat to us that Steve felt led of the LORD to invite our son Chip to work with him in the youth group at our church and it was during that time that Chip answered God's call to the ministry.

Fast Forward to the Present: Steve and Trish live and minister in a large city in our home state. Trish is a stay-at-home wife/mom, and the girls are growing up WAY TOO FAST. I know that Jordynn will be in the 7th grade this fall, and I am guessing that Jaycee might be entering the 4th grade. It's hard to keep up!!! Trish recently emailed me saying that they will be in our area soon and hope we can get together. We hope so, too! May God bless this sweet family as they serve Him. Steve, Trish and girls: we love you guys!! ~~Susan