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Psalm 33:11 – [God's] plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. (GNT)
The older I get, the more I start to think of my own death. Don't get me wrong: I don't have a horrible disease and I'm not, like some say, "homesick for heaven". What I mean is that every day, it becomes more of a reality to me. It is not a morbid thing but reality! I think that the Lord starts to introduce this eventuality to us as we age. It was very important to my mother and my mother-in-law to make their own funeral arrangements. I'm glad that it wasn't left up to me, because with my scattered brain, I surely would have forgotten something. My mom tries to get me to listen to a song that she wants to be sung, but I can't bear to hear it because it makes me sad.
As I thought of this the other day, I decided that I was going to find the funniest picture that I have of myself to sit on my casket. I have one in mind of me with a funny hat and a big smile on my face. That's what I want people to remember.
I also planned the music, and among the songs was The Hokey Pokey — yes, you read it right. I thought that it could be slid in there as an ice breaker. I could imagine the smiles as people stood and put their "right hand in and their right hand out, right hand in and shake it all about. You do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around. That's what it's all about!" That stopped me in my tracks and in my funeral arranging: "That's what it's all about"? I remember reading a bumper sticker that made me laugh even though it was also sad. It said, "What if the hokey pokey is what it's all about?"
I am so glad that I have a hope that is beyond The Hokey Pokey. I'm glad that although this world seems hopeless at times, I have a hope and a purpose and a promise of an eternity in Jesus Christ.
At my funeral, I do want people to know that the Lord has blessed me with much joy in my life, but since The Hokey Pokey is out, I am requesting the Chicken Dance instead!
Have a joyous, purposeful day, and remember that The Hokey Pokey is not what it's all about!
Isaiah 46:3b-4 – I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. (NCV)
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that the silly things of this world are as nothing compared to the prospect of the joy of being with You eternally. Thank You for Jesus, Who opened the way to heaven for us! Amen.
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So true, Jeanie.
Love your message today.
A great message! Thank you, Jeanie.
Thank you for another well written devotional.
Great one for today, Jean. We love your devotionals.
Thank you, Jeanie. Now I’ll be singing that all day! Seriously, our hope in Christ is the only thing that counts.
Thank you for today’s devotion. When I saw the words “hokey pokey” I thought about the bumper sticker you mentioned later.
Oh Jeanie, you are such a blessing! Light-hearted humour but then the profound Truth!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts.
What a delightful devotional, Jeanie! It’s wet and misty here but you’ve brought bright sunshine and joy into my morning. Bless you!
(BC)
Thank you for sharing this lighthearted and encouraging devotional with us today. Indeed, the Hokey Pokey isn’t what it’s all about! But Jesus is for sure and certain! Thanks again and many… Blessings.
Good morning, Jeanie,
Lol, this is funny and yet so true.
God is always there and that is what it is all about.
May the joy of the Lord fill the hearts who attend that day and get a chuckle doing the chicken dance.
God bless.
Oh Jeanie that was quite an interesting and “chuckle time” devotional you have written today. I hadn’t heard the words “hokey pokey” for quite some time, and it brought a chuckle to me. Yes, we do have thoughts of when our time comes to leave this earthy place and knowing we were created by our loving God we can be assured of a blessed time when He takes us home. Blessings for your thoughts and reflections expressed today.
Good morning, Jeanie,
I like to try and guess what the devotional is going to be about from the title. While I was stumped today. You shared a little more about yourself and your thinking today in this message. Also for me, I am a little more in touch that my end is closer and not in a morbid way. I know people who do plan their funerals and it is important to them. So far, I have not been inclined to do that. I definitely join with you in your prayer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Blessings.
Well Jeanie, I wish we lived closer together physically because I think you and I would be good friends. I have planned out my service for when I die and given each of our three children a copy. I dare them to change it!
In our community an obituary is printed on the bulletin which is distributed at the service and THEN THE PASTOR READS IT ALOUD. I do not understand that as I know all the people at these various services can read. SO, I have instructed our kids that if they print an obituary in the worship service bulletin the pastor is NOT to read it. We all have our quirks, don’t we?
Thank you for writing today.
What a wonderful sense of humour! I quite agree, and I too want people to know the joy of the Lord that has been such a gift to me. Bless you for sharing these fun thoughts, in a lovingly Spirit filled way.
Hi Jeanie,
Thank you. I truly enjoy your devotionals.
At my mother-in-law’s funeral we sang an odd song at the very end… Take me out to the ball game!!! She was a diehard baseball fan. It was a kind of an ice breaker at the end. Everyone joined in and remembered her love for baseball.
She was a very special lady and very dear to me as I had lost my parents 30 and 20 years earlier.
Thanks for the reminder.