Dear Fellow Children of God,
Perhaps grandchildren always think that, to a certain
extent, their grandparents are somewhat ‘weird,’ or ‘crazy.’ Afterall, grandparents grew up in a world at
least 2 generations separated from the generation of their grandchildren. However, it seems that my grandson, Jake,
really thought I had gone off the deep end recently. As we gathered on June 29
for a family meal, with all four of our children present, I informed them that Kathy
and I recently purchased our funerals. Jake
couldn’t stop laughing, and couldn’t believe we were discussing this topic.
For Kathy and for me, both of our parents had made these
preparations before their deaths. Then
we didn’t have to make difficult choices during a time of loss and stress. We didn’t have to answer tough
questions. “Did Mom or Dad want to be
cremated or buried? If they wanted to be
cremated, what do we do with the ashes?
If they wanted to be buried, what about the casket? Is this casket too cheap, and perhaps
dishonors my parent? Is this one too
expensive, and they would think we are wasting money? How about a service? What about graves?” Kathy and I made these plans and purchases to
prevent our children from having to make these decisions when we pass. You should also know that we are both currently
healthy and we are not planning on dying soon. 😊
(Only God knows!)
However, there is another story in the background
concerning our grandchildren. Josh and
Erin, and their four children, Jake, Emma, Henry, and Annie, two-thirds of our
six grandkids, are moving to Olympia Washington, soon. They drive out of Alaska on July 19, and Josh
will serve as principal at Ranier Elementary on McChord AFB. We are saddened by their leaving. However, I
reminded Kathy that my parents were not happy when we moved to Alaska in 1991. My dad’s family was disappointed when he and my
mom and their 5 kids moved from Massachusetts to Florida in 1965. This is all part of life in today’s world.
Therefore, I have been thinking, “How will my
grandchildren remember me?” Will Jake
remember his grandfather as a crazy old man who makes his funeral arrangements
in advance? On June 29th, we
concluded our meal with a devotion from a book we have often used. Will Jake remember us as people who are serious
about their faith in Jesus? I did take
Jake and his youngest sister, Annie, fishing on Saturday, July 5. It was a good trip. I have LOTS of pictures of Jake on fishing
trips with me. Sometimes it was just
Jake and me! Will Jake remember me as
someone who spent time with his grandchildren and loved(s) them?
How about my other 5 grandchildren? Listed by age, they are Jackson, Emma,
Kendall, Henry, and Annie. Even if they
are not ALL moving away, what have I done, what am I leaving with them with
will be a lasting gift? What have I done
which will provide a lasting blessing? I
ask this question not just concerning my grandchildren, but also concerning my
children.
My devotional readings on July 9 were from Luke 11 and
12. In Luke 12, Jesus teaches, “29
And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30
For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows
that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things
will be added to you. 32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is
your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your
possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do
not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief
approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.” (Luke
12:29-35 ESV)
As I mentioned, I went through a similar experience as a
child. My parents moved their family
from Easthampton, MA, where 5 generations of Rockey’s had lived. We relocated to Gainesville, FL, in
1965. Yet, I still have vivid memories
of my grandfather, whom I called “Grampy,” and of other relatives. I remember faith lessons Grampy taught me
before we moved, and some he taught me after we were living in separate towns
and states. For example, he taught me about forgiveness, when I would get in
trouble in school – A LOT! Grampy taught
me not to be prejudiced. He also impressed
on me the importance of church, by his example.
And, when I was confirmed in Florida my grandfather came up to me after
the ceremony and said, “I’m proud of you.
I pray you do a better job of keeping your vows than I did in keeping
mine.” WOW! My grandfather had a GREAT influence on my
faith in Jesus. He left eternal blessings with me.
I do believe that treasure in heaven is so much more
valuable than the things on this earth.
I also believe that it is in the grace of God through Jesus that we
receive love and joy and peace . . . eternally.
I believe that in Jesus’ life and death and resurrection we receive life
forever. What can BE more
important? I pray daily that my children
and my grandchildren know Jesus, and His eternal gifts of love, and forgiveness,
and salvation. I pray that I have shared
with them these gifts of Jesus, and can continue to do so.
So, in whose life are you making a
difference? Are you pointing those you
love to eternal treasures found in Jesus?
A Child of God, Desiring to Leave the Eternal Treasures
of Jesus with My Children and Grandchildren!
Pastor Rockey
P.S. You might
enjoy this song from Steve Green, “May Those Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful!” Dave Anderson taught me this song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKT5BCmvmq0&list=RDMKT5BCmvmq0&start_radio=1
P.P.S. I am now
serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor.
Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School
·
Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday
mornings at 9:00 a.m. The class is
studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” On July 6 we studied about heaven and
hell. On July 13 we will study about the
Word of God. Come and join us!
·
Summer Sunday School - Children have an
opportunity to study during the summer as well.
Leah Rawlins is leading the children in studying the book of Ruth. At the end of this study they may put what
they learned into expression through legos.
All Children are WELCOME! 😊 (However, there was no Sunday School on
July 6 (4th of July weekend), nor on August 31 (Labor Day
Weekend!)
·
The Our Redeemer 4th of July
parade cookout took place last Friday, July 4.
Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9ToG3M2kuThcrncf8
·
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING 2025 – NEW ORLEANS! Our Redeemer is sending 6 people to the 2025
LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
The Our Redeemer Group leaves on Friday, July 18. The Rockeys, Jonathan, Kathy, and Mary will
be working for the Gathering. They leave
Tuesday morning July 15. Please keep
these people in your prayers.
·
In August we will have meetings to discuss upcoming
confirmation classes, and perhaps some early communion classes. Watch for more information. If anyone desires to attend an adult
membership class, that is what we are studying on Sunday mornings at 9.
·
The Our Redeemer Call Committee has been
formed. It includes Elder and chairman,
Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott
Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins. They met on
June 4, and again on July 1. The first
step in the call process will be to begin a congregational self-study. The Northwest District has the study and
tools to help in this study. The
committee will meet again on July 22, and targets August 15 for inputs from
leaders to the congregational self-study.
It is good for
a congregation to be patient in the call process. Please PRAY that as our Lord leads
this committee and Our Redeemer in this process, we will follow His guidance.
·
MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE
WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”
We are now in the New Testament! On Wednesday,
July 9, we read Luke 11 and 12, part of Luke’s version of Matthew’s “Sermon
on the Mount.”
· Feel
free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions
about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have
recently received questions and comments. It is always good to consider
our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God
knows!
P.P.S. Family and
Friends:
·
Here are some pictures of my grandfather, Charles
Frederick Rockey (Raake) III. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eTa6ezR9euuwg7KS7
·
Our garden is doing well. We have had many meals with salad
fixings. Strawberries are starting to
come in too. Here are some pictures from
July 8. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xmPhB8R6VVBxhZvWA
·
Here are some pictures of Jake fishing with me
through the years. 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/mGm5EXuCpDfNZv5q6
·
Fishing
-
o Last
Saturday I took grandchildren Jacob and Annabelle fishing at Long Lake.They
caught lots of trout. Here are some
pictures. 😊
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XQPRgQ184Jt7wwwL9
o On
Sunday, July 6, I took my boat and new motor to the Little Susitna River. This is perhaps my favorite place to fish in
Alaska. Sadly, I did not see any
salmon. I did however find the location
and materials for the new weir, 5 miles upstream from the previous
location. I am thankful, because this
opens up some good fishing holes I enjoy.
😊 Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/abtiQYoU5mySm5hX8
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of
August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church
in Palmer, AK. I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled,
"Thoughts from the Pastor." When I retired many asked me to
continue writing these devotions. So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys
Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor
at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to
receive it. (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer
Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)
So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered
why, now you understand. And, if you are now receiving these devotions
and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove
your name from my distribution list. My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in
your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan Rockey
Child of God
Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK
Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
How
great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called
children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
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