.…this poem was inspired by glancing at a photo of my Dad, when he was a young man. He is now with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. In reading the poem, you might be reminded of a loved one of your own…

A brave new young face, a captivating smile…

All of God’s creations are only here for a while.

If you have a loved one who’s no longer here,

you know the significance of the one you held dear.

Rejoice over loved ones–God’s treasures they are–

each one is as special as a bright shining star!

P. A. Oltrogge

“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” Psalm 147:4 NIV

“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  John 10:2-4  

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 NLT

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” From Jeremiah 1:5

“For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15

“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26

Thank you, Lord, for those you’ve given to us as unique and precious family or friends… thank you that we will see them again in your heaven… And thank you for those who are still with us, who make our lives so very blessed!

God’s blessings be upon you, dear friend of this blog. You are very special to me and to God…

Scriptures NKJV, or as noted.