tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post4432694598022463778..comments2024-03-28T20:57:55.651-07:00Comments on Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart: Your Dying Spouse 187 - The Hidden Song Of The Samurai {FMF}Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-10733272588109946892016-08-07T14:26:15.425-07:002016-08-07T14:26:15.425-07:00Ah, Andrew. We struggle against the unknown, but ...Ah, Andrew. We struggle against the unknown, but God offers us life in Christ when we die to self--so if we choose that path, we are, in essence, experiencing death on a daily basis and it should not have any 'unknowns' for us.blestbutstresthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02058280295906350992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-65288804159010336262016-08-03T11:47:07.034-07:002016-08-03T11:47:07.034-07:00Andrew, this post was quite timely. I didn't g...Andrew, this post was quite timely. I didn't get around to read it until today(Wed.) because my own dad was in the hospital. You bring much wisdom. We do try to fight death. We don't want to leave this life. But the words of this post have made me realize it is because we have been wired for eternity. We have a DNA in us that longs to live forever. And one day, we all will. Grateful for your transparency as you have made me think so many times in ways I probably would have looked to avoid. May our God give you more days! Blessings! Joanne Violahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07737190992108764966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-46534239855168179412016-08-02T19:51:48.263-07:002016-08-02T19:51:48.263-07:00I'm so glad you wrote (and God gave you grace,...I'm so glad you wrote (and God gave you grace, strength, and life to finish it). <br />To live in the the awareness of God's presence is one way I try to be more present in my life. In a real way, it's like practicing for eternity. The difference will be that I get to be in God's presence fully after I die.<br />On Sunday, someone had some kind of medical issue during the service. (Not sure what happened.) But it got me to thinking that I would love to die in the middle of a worship song and continue it in heaven. Apart from it upsetting the people around me, that is. But dying while writing what was on my heart would be a close second.<br />May you know the close presence of God and be all the way engaged with your present, here-and-now reality.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00764269683906744357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-22737127975226262492016-08-02T07:28:15.860-07:002016-08-02T07:28:15.860-07:00Oh Andrew! I am so thankful you were not taken fro...Oh Andrew! I am so thankful you were not taken from this earth yesterday. I cannot imagine how you are feeling, suspended between heaven and earth. Yet, this most helps me to realize we are all in that place, between heaven and earth. We are not promised tomorrow. There is so much wisdom in this post that I will save and come back to reread. "The only way to really live is to be present in each moment, not looking ahead with anticipation nor back with regret." This is something I've striving to do in my life. No regrets. Love to you dear Andrew and thanks for finding the new link up! You are an inspiration to so many.BARBIEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02537827307867912139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-31424109789355018232016-08-01T19:48:43.874-07:002016-08-01T19:48:43.874-07:00My son was familiar with the name Kuroda Kanbei bc...My son was familiar with the name Kuroda Kanbei bc it's the character he plays in a video game that his brother has, so he thought that was kind of cool.<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoy my writing. God bless!Gayl Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564461995154051353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-15715629368275867142016-08-01T04:01:14.766-07:002016-08-01T04:01:14.766-07:00Actually, I did not know that you are Asian or had...Actually, I did not know that you are Asian or had come from a Buddhist background. How did I miss this? As usual, I learned a new thing by reading your blog today!Michele Morinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814119096056835884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-53609576004196223252016-07-31T20:40:05.426-07:002016-07-31T20:40:05.426-07:00Leigh, I LOVE the way you phrased this! "...t...Leigh, I LOVE the way you phrased this! "...there is that appointment we will all make."<br /><br />YES! Just perfect.<br /><br />Thank you for being here today, and bringing this bright light of gracious wisdom.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-69840737935713572572016-07-31T20:38:46.003-07:002016-07-31T20:38:46.003-07:00Susan,
my best posts are in the comment sections ...Susan, <br />my best posts are in the comment sections on other people's posts. Ha! That's that encouragement gift I came out with. I thank you.<br /><br />And dear dear Andrew, I'm so glad that I can be a blessing to you on the horrible days. It was your boldness that first made me comment on one of your posts. You shocked me. And made me laugh (perhaps nervously at the irreverent humor), but laugh nonetheless.<br /><br />May you experience deep joy today.<br />"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. <br />His mercies never come to an end. <br />They are new every morning."<br />If He grants you another Earthly morning, then may His mercy be upon you-each one of them!<br />Tammysincerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16959015797818229243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-48809902726015495712016-07-31T20:38:39.851-07:002016-07-31T20:38:39.851-07:00Tara, excellent idea! Helping teach about it, givi...Tara, excellent idea! Helping teach about it, giving guidance...far better than leaving a kid with nothing or, at best, platitudes.<br /><br />I'm a bit shaky this weekend - it was rough - but will try to get to your post, my friend.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-68965025807496412142016-07-31T20:37:12.374-07:002016-07-31T20:37:12.374-07:00Beth, thanks. I'm kind of glad to be here too,...Beth, thanks. I'm kind of glad to be here too, especially after yesterday (Saturday July 30). I don't remember much, and The B does not want to talk about it. It was apparently pretty bad, and included a serious fall (so that's why my head hurts!).<br /><br />I am finding that death is no enemy, and can't really even be anthropomorphosized. It's simply there, like the clouds and the rain, and there is always a clear sky on the other side of every storm.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-54087860319244127432016-07-31T20:33:49.693-07:002016-07-31T20:33:49.693-07:00Gayl, two prominent daimyo that became Christians ...Gayl, two prominent daimyo that became Christians were Otomo Sorin and Kuroda Kanbei, and they were pleased to have Christians as their retainers.<br /><br />I'm so glad you are here, Gayl. I have had a really awful weekend but will try to get to your post; I really enjoy your writing!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-37277654436635617162016-07-31T20:27:39.980-07:002016-07-31T20:27:39.980-07:00Kristina, thank you! And thank you for sharing the...Kristina, thank you! And thank you for sharing the story of your Grandma. God has reasons that are beyond our understanding...and in my heart I would like to think that it is kind of a fun secret between Him and your Grandma.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here today!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-81459760917505497622016-07-31T20:20:02.116-07:002016-07-31T20:20:02.116-07:00Oh, Beth, thank you!
What wisdom there is...a lot...Oh, Beth, thank you!<br /><br />What wisdom there is...a lot of it comes from the truths I have learned from people like you.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-49013451949786498422016-07-31T20:18:59.360-07:002016-07-31T20:18:59.360-07:00Thank you so much, Norma. Your comment makes my he...Thank you so much, Norma. Your comment makes my heart sing after a particularly hard couple of days. Thank you!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-3936090174183908392016-07-31T20:18:10.087-07:002016-07-31T20:18:10.087-07:00Barbara, yeah...this was a post I really wanted to...Barbara, yeah...this was a post I really wanted to write, and I was a bit miffed that I might not get it out! But by God's grace and through Ladron's vigour...it's here, and so am I.<br /><br />Yes, I am Asian...the Mongolia/Western CHina area is interesting in that it's rather a melting pot, and Alexander the Great's genetic legacy is quite apparent. Recently Barbara and I saw a program on missionary work in Mongolia, and she commented that it must be nice for me to see a place where everyone looked like me.<br /><br />She was right.<br /><br />Thank you so much for the prayers!<br />Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-77907708040365764622016-07-31T20:14:05.559-07:002016-07-31T20:14:05.559-07:00Thank you for this personal example, Annie. Proces...Thank you for this personal example, Annie. Processing the idea of death can be pretty hard for a child, and we often remember what WE went through...and want to pull far away from the problems.<br /><br />But I think you are right. Better to simply be up-front.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-6771986065011774772016-07-31T19:46:38.872-07:002016-07-31T19:46:38.872-07:00Susan, likewise. I am a better person for having m...Susan, likewise. I am a better person for having met you; those aren't idle words.<br /><br />I so appreciate your comment, and yes, I will be looking up your mother when I get there. When I tell her about her daughter the high-wattage pride that shines in her eyes will make me glad I'm wearing Oakleys.<br /><br />Nearly went yesterday, actually. It was a world-class Bad Day that I can't describe because I can't remember it, and The B does not WANT to describe it. Today I feel a bit like I am suspended between earth and Heaven...and odd and unsettling feeling, though not unpleasant.<br /><br />XOXOXO WagWagWaggyWag!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-29961513264642075382016-07-31T19:42:48.985-07:002016-07-31T19:42:48.985-07:00Oh, Katy, thank you! I really treasure your commen...Oh, Katy, thank you! I really treasure your comment and your friendship. I am so glad you're here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-80495229560494761102016-07-31T19:40:32.085-07:002016-07-31T19:40:32.085-07:00Jeanne, I so appreciate this...you've given an...Jeanne, I so appreciate this...you've given an insight into the struggle so many share!<br /><br />And we so appreciate the prayers. Yesterday was world-class bad. Pretty shaky tonight.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-44905978933028663052016-07-31T19:38:50.356-07:002016-07-31T19:38:50.356-07:00Tammy, thank you so much for this. And I loe the w...Tammy, thank you so much for this. And I loe the way you brought in Moses' rather epic fail...it's just perfect.<br /><br />And Tammy, the affirmation of your last paragraph is so wonderful, and so valued. Yesterday was a full-on horrible day, and today I feel a bit suspended between death and life. Your words warm my heart.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-40906404948778561122016-07-31T19:36:13.651-07:002016-07-31T19:36:13.651-07:00Sarah, thank you so much for the prayers, and for ...Sarah, thank you so much for the prayers, and for being here!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-8480378341755100082016-07-31T05:25:44.048-07:002016-07-31T05:25:44.048-07:00Wow! A lot to take in. Very honest though which I ...Wow! A lot to take in. Very honest though which I like about your posts. We need to number our days. I have become more comfortable with death as many friends and family members have passed on and now I see it as another part of the life process. We must be fully present, but also keep in mind there is that appointment we will all make. blessing and peace to you! Stopping by from FMF!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14339809047230206010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-82742847551584947552016-07-30T20:33:45.556-07:002016-07-30T20:33:45.556-07:00Andrew, yes. We so often don't deal with death...Andrew, yes. We so often don't deal with death until we are forced to. As part of confirmation, I used to take my students to a funeral home so they could learn about death. We need to teach them death is truly a part of life. I'm in the 68 spot this week. Tara Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02619365758739247929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-11936436110533698922016-07-30T20:02:34.556-07:002016-07-30T20:02:34.556-07:00So glad you're still with us, Andrew. More ins...So glad you're still with us, Andrew. More insights emerge as you so steadily stare death in the face ... as you do, we learn from you how to live. Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13156048755652103073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59023937291072318022016-07-30T12:50:06.712-07:002016-07-30T12:50:06.712-07:00My son is very curious about the Christian Samurai...My son is very curious about the Christian Samurai. :) All three of my sons are very interested in Japanese manga and anime. Actually, we all take karate, though I've had to drop out for awhile, and have learned some of the language. One son is well on his way to earning a black belt.<br /><br />You said a lot of profound things in this post, Andrew. "We all want to live, but the only way to really live is to be present in each moment, not looking ahead with anticipation nor back with regret." If we could remember this all the time, I think we'd be much happier. Thanks for sharing your heart. Blessings to you. I'm in the #66 slot this week at #FiveMinuteFriday.<br /><br />Gayl Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564461995154051353noreply@blogger.com