Scripture Reading: (Psalm 90:12; John 11:25,26; Rev. 21:4)

"Teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom."

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shalll live, even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?"

… and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning , or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away"

When we meet at the close of someone's life, we do three things.  First we look back.  And look back we should - there is so much history, so many memories, so many places walked with this beloved daughter, sister, friend.  Lisa lived a life that included many people, and places, and events.  She lived a life that experienced so much joy and pain.  All of us, but especially you her family and close friends shared many of those places with her, and wish (we all wish) her life could have been longer, included more.

It did not, God took Lisa in her youth. But as we look back, we can honor Lisa by taking up where she left off - loving God and those He has placed in our path.   So this morning we look back, and it should not just be with sorrow but with resolve; resolve to honor Lisa by the quality of our own remaining life.

The second thing we do at times like this is to look up into heaven and wonder.  Because like children, standing behind a high fence, we desire to know just what it is like on the other side.  We want to know what heaven is really like - and what Lisa and others who have gone there are doing, would like to say to us now.  And so we stand here, on tip-toes, straining our spiritual ears and eyes, trying to catch a glimpse, a sound, of heaven - what is it like, is there any reason for concern, for hope, for anticipation?

For Christians, the Bible tells us that there is every reason for hope and anticipation and no reason for concern.  It tells us that there is no reason to fear death, because deaths sting has been removed, that this grave is not an end, a victory for hopelessness, but that we will live again. Why? Because of the Christian Gospel we embrace - the good news that Jesus Christ died and rose again for us, broke the power of sin and death, put us right with God.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, Christians die full of hope for a life in the presence of God that makes the joys of this life pale and it's sorrows insignificant in comparison.

So we look up to heaven, and when we look with faith in Jesus, we see hope and joy.

Thirdly, at times like this we take stock of our own lives.  Lisa would tell us that her faith in Christ was the most important factor in the fabric of her life, and that you who she has left behind should make the pursuit of God in Christ the number one priority of your remaining days.  Let us resolve to do that, and here and now take stock of how we are living.

Does it not seem like yesterday that Lisa was born - then a teenager, then a young woman with hopes and dreams - so full of talent and ability, working hard in her pursuits, loving and praying for her family?  And yet now her life is over.

And so it will be for you and I.  Life here is transient - and we need to live not with both hands grasping and searching for this life's possessions and pleasures, but with one hand in the hand of God, and the other reaching out in love to those around us.  We need to live this way so that when our turn comes to walk into the presence of God, we will be able to do so with hope firmly planted in Christ, held, guided and comforted by the One who is eternal.

So in honor of Lisa we look back, we look up and we take stock of our lives - and if you have not, please make your peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.  And everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?"  John 11:25,26

SONG: Amazing Grace

Our family thanks Pastor Marvin Croswell for his wonderful sermon.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation can do so to:
Mercy Ministries of Canada
6788 152 Street
Surrey BC V3S 3L4

For donations by phone Mercy Ministries of Canada please call 604.596.2422 and let the person know it is in memory of Lisa Adam.