Today I attended the funeral of one of our town’s most respected gentlemen.

I was privileged to go as I was invited to sing along with three other women that also regularly sing in our church’s Music Ministry.

Before the service began, I spoke to God in my mind to ask him to give me again that special anointing that I received when I gave my life to him and had the water baptism by full immersion and was “Born Again” in 2004. I need it in my life and work to cope with situations where I have to be supportive and not to judge……,,

The first hymn – I Vow To Thee, My Country.

“I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above. Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love.

The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test.

That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best. The love that never falters, the love that pays the price.

The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country I’ve heard of long ago. Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King.

Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering.

And soul by soul and silently her shining bound increase .

And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

I’m a soprano, when I start singing the presence of God comes down on me and I start tingling, so have to sway and hope no one notices my tingling. I thank God again in my mind for his presence and the gift of the voice and being able to hit those high notes and be heard above the organ. Also, now feeling refreshed and able to cope with what I’ve been called to do in my working life!

The service was very moving, I felt empathy for the family who are my friends that paid tribute to Barry’s life….

I felt a tear in the corner of my eye when she mentioned footsteps to illustrate his service in our community and how everyone will miss him.

Barry went to be with the Lord. He is home now.

In my mind at the beginning to ask again for my life the gift of God’s anointing to give me the incite to pray for people who are ill. There seems so many people suffering in my midst, as I write this a friend has gone to London to receive treatment for Cancer. Two other friends are suffering with dizziness and blood pressure which seems to be related to Covid.

Others have ongoing Mental Health needs. Other’s who this year have also lost loved ones dear to them.

I start each day with prayer to God to intercede for them.

Back to remembering the other two hymns that are my favourites “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Barry also had a heart for the lost and supported the mission The Matthew 25 Mission.

Matthew 25 v 35-36