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As I write this month's edition of the Spring Board, it's just days before Christmas. I have looked so forward to sharing time with my families, both from KY and VA, however, I do that now with a heavy heart. My family, on my husband's side, experienced an unexpected loss in the days prior to Thanksgiving. A young man of 37 years, a beloved son and brother, a cherished uncle and friend passed on to Heaven Tuesday November 25th. So, the Hollands, and those who called David Holland special, are dealing with a "first" right here at Christmas; an empty chair at the fellowship table.
Many can feel the loss I speak of from very personal experience. Though the holidays are meant to be joyous times, the reality is that the complete opposite is true for some. I've stated before that I turn to music as a source of comfort; not only for me, but for those in my family who's earthly walks have been forever altered due to recent events, and who's eternities can be sealed as God works through us in this time of loss.
For as long as I can remember, I have firmly believed the saying "God never closes a door without opening a window." I have used this thought so many times in my life to comfort people. Now, I hear my own words as I personally deal with this loss and try to remain strong for my husband and our little girls. One of the best examples of this saying is the Martins' current chart-topping single, "The Promise". In fact, the evening after the funeral, my husband and I took a drive, and in the darkness of that drive the lyrics of "The Promise" filled our spirits. Through tears, we felt the Lord's presence in that Jeep and we both understood the meaning of the writer's lyric:
('Cause) You know I made a promise
That I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think
I'll see you face to face
And you'll sing with the angels
And the countless multitudes
This is the promise
This is the promise, I've made to you
The door to my husband's brother and his relationship on earth has closed, but the open window found in the promise that God has prepared a place for David and all of his children settled over us in that moment.
God is a wonderful healer. He sends comfort in the form of people, songs and even poems. Just a few days ago, buried in the numerous e-mails from friends and loved ones was this poem. I have no author to thank, unless you, like I, feel it was sent from Heaven ~perhaps from God himself, to help ease the emptiness in my heart and the hearts of my family. I am led to share this with you in the event that you too can pass on the gift that this message brings:
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights like heavens stars reflecting the snow
The sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you about the joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing
I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, you know, we really aren't apart
So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year
I send each of you a special gift from my heavenly home above
I send each of you a memory of my undying love
After all "LOVE" is a gift, more precious that pure gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told
Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you
So, have a merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember that I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year
I know it's January, but many folks struggle to get through the holidays because they are paralyzed with grief. I'll invite you to be a comfort to someone today. Offer a kind word, a shoulder, a scripture, a story, a SONG. It's amazing how healing a kind gesture from a friend or even a stranger can be to hurting soul.
Before I close, I would like to suggest an upcoming release from the Hoppers that paints a picture of hope everlasting. The song is "Jerusalem" and it hails on the latest Hoppers CD, Great Day. This song is unbelievable! It is one that transforms you into another place… HEAVEN. Thanks to the excellence of producer and arranger Lari Goss, the music sets the mood and you feel like you are meandering down the an ancient waterway in a canoe, witnessing first hand what John saw in that city where the "lion lay down by the lamb," where he caught a glimpse of "the golden thrown by a crystal sea". Oh yeah, I want to go THERE! I look forward to this sight:
Jerusalem - I want to walk on the streets that are golden
I want to run where the angels have trod
Jerusalem- I want to rest on the banks of your river
In that city, city of God
So, make this a happy new year! Let this be a time of healing and fresh starts. If you have had a door close this past year, keep your eyes open for that window that God has opened for you in this new time of growth and new beginnings.
Oh, and a BIG congratulations to "The Martins" from your Spring Hill Music Group family for your #1 song, "The Promise" for the past two months on the SoGospelNews.com charts! We are so proud of you!
Until next month, God's Blessings Always!
Buffi
Psalms 100- Make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord!
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Written: 12/31/2003 
Author: SGN
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