Walkin' streets of gold...

The last of my great aunts and uncles (on my dad's side of the family) died last night. Aunt Claudia was a remarkable woman and lived a very interesting life. I will always and forever remember her because of one scripture: Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.'

Aunt Claudia put that scripture on every piece of correspondence she ever mailed me. I think I learned that scripture right after John 3:16. :) It holds a special place in my heart, because I always knew she was praying for me.

Over the past few years, she would always ask if I had met anyone special and was planning on getting married anytime soon. Of course, that hasn't happened yet, but I'm hoping that she'll put in a good word for me up there in heaven. (Just kidding!) I'm sure she's too busy loving on the One who gave her hope and peace throughout her life.

Aunt Claudia had a big impact on my spiritual life. When I was a young teenager, her granddaughter, Heather, and I, would spend the night with her in her cute two-bedroom apartment. We thought we were the stuff! :) I loved to go there, because we would sit up later than my usual bedtime, talking about life and Jesus and living for Him. She would tell stories of her life and how the only way she had made it was depending on her Savior. From stories I would hear later in life, it turns out she was, at times, a bit wild in her younger years and so had experienced some hard times in her life. But one thing that always stood out to me, from all the stories she told and the stories I heard later on - once she gave her life to Christ, she never looked back. Her faith in the Creator of the universe never faltered - oh, I'm sure she had struggles just like the rest of us - but she always knew that God was in control and He would take care of her and her family.

I will definitely miss that lady. I'm glad I got to spend some time with her last year - although I wish I had made more time for her. I knew that I would regret not getting to see her more, yet I still didn't make the time. But - I'm kind of glad. I can remember her as that spunky lady who didn't mince words and would love on you with everything within her. She was and still is an awesome testament to God's faithfulness. I only hope my life will reflect God in the same way.

I love you, Aunt Claudia! Hope you're having a blast with Jesus right now!