I’ve had some amazing teachers in my lifetime… like Mrs. Dixon in 5th grade and Mr. Wedemeyer for senior English. And then there was Mrs. Lipscomb who taught me piano for years, and Dr. Monk who taught me most everything I know about school administration. There was also Miss Kim, a lady I cleaned house for, who taught me how to set a table and decorate for a party, and my sister, Deedy, who schooled me on how to make a mean French toast.

But last week I had another teacher: G, a woman who has spent the last 21 years of her life at Hilltop.Just two weeks ago, G was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and the disease is already ravaging her body. She walks with great difficulty and shakes almost continuously. She has known a hard life in prison, but no doubt that hard life is about to get harder. Despite all of that, joy is evident on G’s face. When I asked her if she knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she didn’t hesitate. “Yes ma’am.” And then I asked her the next question… and she gave an immediate answer I’ll never forget.

“G, are you afraid?”

“Oh, no ma’am. I’m ready to go to Heaven today.”

Yes that.

That I would be ready for Heaven today. That I would not cling to the things of this earth, but instead I would want Jesus more. 

This week, along with seven members of my church, I’m on a mission trip in Peñitas, a small colonia on the Texas/Mexico border. We’re here to teach empowerment classes to women and distribute food to families in need. But more than that, we’re here because even though we’re ready to go to Heaven today, we’re staying with it to the end. We covet your prayers! I hope to post pics each day.

May we know Him & make Him known.

 

 

 

“Staying with it – that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news – the Message of the Kingdom – will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come.” Matthew 24:13-14 MSG