The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Home for Christmas (11/20/08)
NO PLACE LIKE HOME


Joel, the 97 year old patriarch of the Game family went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day.
He was a devout man of faith whose favorite scripture was, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13-KJV). Joel’s 93 year old widow, Sarah, was pining for her man. She knew that he was with the Lord – still she missed him terribly. They had been happily married, in the Lord, for seventy years.

Christmas was approaching and the Game family from different parts of the world decided to surprise Sarah in Vermont by visiting with her for Christmas week. They planned, and were all so very excited to do this act of love to cheer up Sarah in her time of grief. Thomas flew in from Greece. Philip came by train from Philadelphia. Teresa and her brood flew from Israel, and Nathan came from New York. Donna and her husband Timothy lived close by in Vermont so it was decided that they would be the host couple. Darla lived with and cared for Sarah so she was charged with watching over the secret so that Sarah would be surprised.

Sarah was such a happy content Christian. She prayed daily and drew nigh to God continually in heartfelt ways. God was so pleased that she had been a devoted servant of His for so many years.
He soothed her in her grief and knew what He had planned.

Sarah had faithfully kept a journal for most of her life. After Joel passed, she wrote in it, “Father, I love him so but I know that You love him more. I miss Him, Lord. Please help me to heal from this heartache. Later during her devotions that day, the Lord gave Sarah these scriptures, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
(2 Corinthians 5:8-KJV), also “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13-KJV). Those words of blessed assurance gave Sarah such comfort.
Darla was great company for Sarah. She helped her to deal with the sorrow. They shared memories of Joel and how much holiness he displayed. They reminisced about how the Lord, in so many unusual ways, used him to lead others to Christ. They agreed that he was a “flame of fire” for the mission of God.

The next day the Game clan arrived at Sarah’s door with children and gifts in tow. It was 7 days before Christmas. Sarah was overwhelmed and rendered speechless by the surprise. She was so happy to see everyone. It was a glorious reunion. They had a grand time. That night Sarah wrote in her journal, “Lord, thank you so much for that wonderful surprise. I am so blessed.” The Lord responded, “I love you, precious child of Mine.” Sarah beamed.

Three days later the family arrived to pick up Sarah and Darla. They went to several of Sarah’s favorite places. Everyone cherished the time spent together. Sarah was in great spirits, and the family was delighted to bring her such joy. The Lord’s presence was so evident in the gathering. Near the end of the day, Sarah was happily exhausted. She thanked the Lord, and her family for all of the pleasure.
She wrote in her journal, “Lord, I am so full of gratitude for all that you arranged. Thank You, O righteous Father, for everything!” The Lord reminded Sarah that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

Early Christmas morning, Darla awoke to wish Sarah a Merry Christmas. She went to the living room and found Sarah sitting at the window with her Bible and her journal in her lap. Sarah was gone – absent from the body and present with the Lord. She went HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. The last words written in her journal were, “Lord, I have finished my course…there is no place like home.” Highlighted in her Bible was this scripture, in part, “…Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19-KJV).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 680 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Betty Overstreet
11/28/08
I enjoyed your story very much. I have an uncle who is now 100 years old and there is no doubt in my mind that when he leaves his body he is going to sing the Gospel songs he has written to his Father in Heaven and teach them to the angels to sing!!
Marlene Austin
11/29/08
Writing filled with love evident in this piece. A well-written, honoring tribute. :)
Lisa Keck
12/02/08
When I saw the family patriarch of the Game family went home on Thanksgiving I thought it was going to turn out to be about turkeys. And I am glad to be reminded that my mom is Home and, like one commenter's uncle teaching the angels the songs she wrote.
Deborah Porter 
12/05/08
Sandra, I just wanted to let you know that you did very well in the Challenge this week. Even though you didn't quite make it into the winners' circle, you made it into the highest rankings for Level 2, placing 9th for the level.

If you would like to check the highest rankings for yourself, you can see them here:

http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=23289

With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)