Homecoming

Today was homecoming today at the church where I grew up, New Georgia Baptist. It is always bittersweet going back to New Georgia. There are a ton of wonderful memories there. That is where I went to church from before I was born, where I was baptized, fond memories of the children's activities I was involved in, great times in the youth, and a lot of wonderful people young and old that are associated with that church. It also makes me sad to go back there because now someone VERY important is missing.. Mawmaw. New Georgia just doesn't seem right without her there.

As we pulled up at church today Reese said, "This is Mawmaw's church. Is Mawmaw going to be here?" I said, "Where is Mawmaw?" She said, "Heaven.. this is kinda like heaven." Oh the innocence of children. I wish Mawmaw was going to be there, but even with all of the wonderful singing, good fellowship, and good food Mawmaw wouldn't want to come back. She is praising Jesus in the most amazing place imaginable....WITH Jesus! So although today was an emotional day and I still miss Mawmaw terribly I know that one day we will be together.

Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs.. Homesick by Mercy Me.

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times

And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you

But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry

is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways

The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know

But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same

Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes

And in Christ, there is no end

So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have

To see you again

To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face

If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place

Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Here is a poem that I also love:

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
by David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me,and I'm not there to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things,we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,as much as I love you,

and each time that you think of me,I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,please try to understand,that an Angel came and called my name,and took me by the hand,and said my place was ready,in heaven far above,

and that I'd have to leave behind,all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,a tear fell from my eye,for all life, I'd always thought,I didn't want to die.I had so much to live for,so much yet to do,it seemed almost impossible,that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared,and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,just even for awhile,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories,would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did,my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,and all I've promised you".Today for life on earth is past,but here it starts anew.I promise no tomorrow,but today will always last,

and since each day's the same day,there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,so trusting and so true.Though there were times you did some things,you knew you shouldn't do.But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me,I'm right here, in your heart.

Please let this be a reminder to tell your family and friends how you feel about them, live each day to the fullest and prepare for your home in eternity!