Elizabeth Powell

Packing for Heaven: A Conversation about Life and Death Elizabeth Powell

My lofty goal in writing this book is that you, the reader, might be encouraged in your life's journey. Also that you might choose faith over fear.

Jesus in Scripture leads the way in the book of Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28 through 30, which reads as follows:

Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I become so heavy hearted when I read the obituaries in the local newspapers that tell me about individuals, so young, dying. It makes me wonder why. To date, by the grace of God, I am eighty-eight years old.

In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." This gives me hope.

I have chosen this salmon fishing photo to illustrate the surprise and joy and results at my first deep-sea fishing. The outcome of this fishing adventure, of course, was unknown before getting in the fishing boat and casting my line. I was advised, to avoid sea sickness, to keep my eyes on the horizon. Each participant was allowed to catch, as the limit, two fish. To my delight and surprise, I caught three big ones thus being able to give the third salmon away to a lady that had none.

What is your horizon? What are your joys? What are your fears?