"Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled"
Laura & her father, June 2009
Thomas M. Niebauer, a child of God, a father of two children, a husband and a dear friend to many, will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones. Barron's brother's wife, Laura Elleby, lost her father in a tragic motorcycle accident this past Friday evening. Funeral services were held today in West Palm Beach, Florida. From this day on and the months to follow, more than ever, Laura, her husband Ryan and the entire Niebauer family needs your prayers. Please pray for their strength and for God to give them peace in their hearts.
This is a painstaking, yet much needed reminder to each of our hearts that we are merely promised today and need not worry about tomorrow. God has placed us on this earth with a plan in mind, a plan in which we are not aware of and it is only He who knows when our life here on earth will be completed. We need to remember to live for today and enjoy every moment of the time we are able to share with our loved ones. It may sound cliche, but it is something we must continually remind ourselves to live by daily.
This Sunday I heard the most eloquent sermon by guest Pastor Darnell. He spoke of the beautiful place that Jesus has gone to prepare for us. At the time, my heart was very heavy from dwelling all weekend on the sadness of Laura's tragic loss and it was a breathe of fresh air to hear once again about the place that has been prepared for us and the golden streets Laura's father is walking down this very day. While it is difficult when surrounded by an earthly society, to comprehend God's plan for our eternal life with Him in heaven, we must continue to immerse our minds in the truth of God's word. Without the word of God, we cannot focus on what is truly important during our precious time here on earth.
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4
Being that Laura's father, was a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ, he has now met his heavenly Father and been greeted as a good and faithful servant. Through this man's life, I am certain God has done many works, some of which are still in motion as his legacy lives on.
"What the heart has once known, it shall never forget".
~Author unknown
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this - what a terrible thing! My Dad died suddenly too so I know how she is feeling and will keep them and all of you in our prayers!! We miss you guys!
When a fellow pilot passes away, we say they have "gone west" on their last flight. As you pass this way, please pause to reflect upon our friend to whom we pay the last respect. He loved his career and gave his best and now have joined those "heading west."
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful page. I cannot express how much this means to me. I can barely see the screen, because tears are clouding my eyes.... but know that they are good tears. I loved my dad so much and see such beautiful words with his smiling face is only right:). You have been such a wonderful support to me during this time of tragedy. You really, really have a been a true and caring friend that I am blessed to have a sister-in-law. Thank you..... for all of your kind words, beautiful blog, caring thoughts and each and every prayer sent up.
Love always
Laura