My Fantastic Day...

Today was a fantastic day. I'm writing this blog to remind myself of God's provisions.

Here's why my day made me happy:

(1) While I was scraping off the ice on my windshield this morning, the sun was shining and the birds were singing.

(2) I talked to someone new in my class this morning and she offered me her extra coffee. That made me smile.

(3) I got an A on a midterm I thought I was going to fail. I actually considered not writing it because I did not think I was prepared after being away for Grandpa's funeral last week and the stress of catching up was significant. This midterm was worth 40% of my final mark. If I had chosen not to write the midterm, I would have had to have written a 3000 word critical book review - woah! There was hardly anyone in class this morning, and as the Professor walked in, he said that all the smart students come to class after a midterm. When he called my name to hand me my midterm back, he said with a smile, "See, all the smart students do come to class." I was extremely confused by that because I am not a good nor smart student, and I was shocked to see my mark. That moment was the highlight of my university academic career. God totally provided during a time of difficulty, pressure and stress.

(4) I have people in my life who love me and get excited for me when I am happy. I cannot even express how thankful I am - especially for the encouraging hugs and phone calls!

(5) I was able to start catching up on my readings.

(6) I spent quality time with "The Heathers". Mac was the cherry and Quack was the rainbow sprinkles on my sundae. ;)

(7) I was able to drive some people around today. I love driving people around. Having my Grandpa's car for the past week has been such a blessing, especially with this lovely lung infection I have. But most of all, I really truly enjoy driving people.

(8) I visited Rachel Dorey and I can't help but smile when I see Rachel!

(9) I had the opportunity to chat with my housemates about life.

(10) I had a lovely nap. It was a gift because I really needed the rest.

(11) My Mom wants me to come home very badly and I wasn't planning on going home this weekend, but I decided it would be nice if I did go home to support her. She was really happy and that made me really happy.

(12) My brother helped me purchase (on eBay) Norah Jones tickets to celebrate my birthday and Heather's birthday in May. We will be sitting on the FLOOR, 8 rows from the stage! I am EXCITED and feel much, MUCH better about our closer seats (... it's a long story)!

(13) Becks came over tonight and we watched Grey's together. We cuddled. I love cuddling with my sweet Becks.

(14) I received this email from the University of Guelph:

Dear Elizabeth,

Your refund cheque is now available and can be picked up at Student Client Services.

The university owes ME money!

(15) God got me through a tough week. Last weekend while I was in bed feeling really sick, I was incredibly fearful and overwhelmed when I thought of everything I had to conquer this week. But, He blessed me and provided for me. He gave me strength when I needed it. He also allowed me to rest when I felt really ill and yet still provided the time to study and work on assignments that needed to get done. God gave me a very gracious professor who has given me extra time to make up a midterm I missed. God gave me supportive friends that accepted my sad moods, too. I am grateful for the blessings He gave me.

That's why I had a fantastic day.

And now, I will be able to sleep tonight because I am exhausted! Sweet! Good night!

“Until We Meet Again"

It was just over one week ago (Saturday, February 3^rd) that I received word that my dear Grandpa had suffered a massive heart attack. On Sunday morning, my Mom called me and asked that I come home to the hospital to be with my Grandpa and my family. This meant that Grandpa was not going to get better this time. As I walked into his room and sat down by his bed, he opened his eyes and looked at me, smiled his usual goofy smile and waved at me. Classic Grandpa. The next visit was very disturbing, as he was in so much pain. Soon after, our entire family was called in and we prayed together and with Grandpa. We kept reminding him that it would only be “just a little while longer.”

Later that night, Grandpa woke up and he looked at everyone in the room, did his usual wave and very confidently said, “Until we meet again.” He knew. And how confident he was in the Lord’s promise of eternal life!

And about one week ago today, right around this time, I was with my Grandpa as he spent his last few moments with us on earth. I really cannot describe what it was like to witness his last few breaths and then know that he was gone. I just do not understand. But as I recall those few minutes, I remember my Mom on her knees right beside Grandpa, talking to him about how amazing it was to see Jesus. She kept on saying, “Take Jesus’ hand, Dad; Take Jesus’ hand.”

Grandpa did take Jesus’ hand. At times this week, I’ve thought about how nice it would be to just leave this life and take Jesus’ hand, just like Grandpa did. But because of my Grandpa’s wonderful example and extraordinary character, I have learned that I need to continue doing my work here to the best of my ability for the sole purpose of honouring God. I admire the faith my Grandpa had. Christ’s love and strength just flowed through him. He had such a servant’s heart and I will forever be honoured to have been one of his granddaughters.

I had a special moment at Christmas with my Grandpa. I knew as I said goodbye on Christmas Day that God had just given me the most precious Christmas gift: the last really great conversation I’d ever have with Grandpa. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. And Grandpa knew too – he was crying. For such a quiet man, his ability to convey his love and pride was amazing. How thankful I am to have had the moment.

A favourite hymn of our family’s is My Jesus I Love Thee. I asked Jackie to sing it at the funeral because it really is a perfect fit for Grandpa.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Grandpa, I know you are singing in Glory and worshiping our Lord with endless delight!

I love you and miss you so much. Until we meet again.