Joe was in his last days in the hospital. The first night of a total of three weeks, was our wakeup call to the finish line. Joe's first words were "I want to go to Heaven, and I want to go right now!" This request was not in our hands, but was completely controlled by our Savior Jesus Christ. That first night a male nurse came in to our room to introduce himself. After hearing Joe say this, he pulled up a chair, sat down, and said, "there is one word you need to keep in your mind. The word is 'endurance'. There are people in this town, and also who work in this hospital who need to hear what you have to say. Every day you have left on this earth is extremely important." "Patient Endurance, no matter what happens," Hebrews 10:35.

It is the "no matter what happens" that can trip us up. We had a downtown festival during this time, which brought street artists, food and entertainment. It was a beautiful warm sunny day. Instead of driving through downtown, I drove through the back way by the gazebo, which would bring me to the hospital. As I was turning the corner of Hwy 11, a very loud impression hit my mind with the words "I'm coming back! I'm coming back!" Three times I heard "I'm Coming back!" I thought "wow!" This is a very strong statement! I immediately thought of the Second Coming of Christ and that Jesus is coming back, and that when this happens, Joe will be with him. I was extremely comforted by this and still am to this day. I am including the first of two messages Joe spoke on the "Return of Christ" in this weeks paper.

Joe had written, or typed, impacting scripture and sayings on index cards...he had hundreds of them. I have been posting one a day on Facebook.

Today's card reads like this: Remember: Continue to remember and reflect upon those times and places in your life where you encountered God in a way that affected your life from then on. These are marking points on your journey with God. See Genesis 35:1-14

Psalms 37:7-14; 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

As I "look up," the above scripture has helped my perspective (patient endurance).

That road to the hospital was a marking point for me that day. God is so good. He has and is providing me daily with an anchor, hope and stability. He keeps his promises.

Blessings, Julie