HOPE for the Holidays - Day 7

The Igous and the Watsons, Ghost Town in the Sky tram, 1964

"So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the HOPE that lies before us. This HOPE is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary." (Heb. 6:18-19)


Story of HOPE:

     When Arlene Carden Igou died last January, I blogged about a 1964 family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains with our dear friends, the Igous. In that post, I stated that our parents, R.A., Arlene, Verna, and Winfred were of, what Tom Brokaw dubbed as, the greatest generation: children of the Great Depression, Warriors of World War II, and gentle, quiet housewives yet tough as nails. At that time, three of those four had been escorted safely into God's heavenly kingdom, while one lone soldier, R.A., continued to stand his watch in faithful resolve.
     Last Tuesday, November 26th, the Lord Jesus ushered R.A. Igou home to heaven - just in time for the holidays. By God grace, Dr. Igou didn't have to spend even one Thanksgiving or Christmas apart from his bride afterall! Isn't God good!

O Father, I pray that every single one of my readers grasps Your HOPE of heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. If they don't, please rescue their souls in Jesus' name - just in time for the holidays!

Therefore, we do not "grieve like people who have no HOPE. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring with Him the believers who have died...for the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God!...Then we will be with the Lord forever! So encourage one another with these words." (1 Thess. 4:13-18)

I want to stroll over heaven with you some glad day,
When all our troubles and heartaches have truly vanished away.
There we'll enjoy all the beauty where all things are new.
I want to stroll over heaven with you!1

1 -  STROLL OVER HEAVEN WITH YOU. Carl L. Trivette, 1952.