I have never had to deal with much death in my life until this last year. Cassandra's Dad and Step-mom died with-in 6 months and then my Grandfather died in-between their deaths. My grandfather was a godly man who had been a minister for over 60 years. His death was a celebration. Both Cassandra's dad and step-mom had become Christ-followers later in life, in fact Cassandra led her dad to a relationship with Christ 3 years ago. But their funerals were also celebrations because of what is on the other side.

Tonight, one of the elderly ladies in our church died. I was pastor on call and went over to see her husband and family. I was struck by the peace that he had knowing that she was in heaven with Jesus. I'm not afraid of death because of the Godly examples I have seen thru my life. My prayer is that when I die, I take people to heaven with me. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!"

Philippians 1:21