Jim with Komono Dragon at Lowry Park Zoo
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 KJV)
Dan and I have been privileged to have close friends over the years. As you move to new locations, the Lord helps you develop more “best friend” relationships. Here, Jim and Phyllis, have become more of our “best friends.” Yesterday, Jim (James) Foster, went home “to be with Our Lord.”
Jim and Phyllis Looking at Baby Gallinule at Lake Hollingsworth
Over the years, Jim and Phyllis have joined us in some of our birdwatching adventures, and so, in honor of those great times together, I’d like to share some of those photos. This is also, to help ease the loss we feel at his “home going.”
Dan, Jim and Phyllis at MacDill AFB Shore
Jim is enjoying the delights of heaven and of being in the presence with the Lord. It is those of us here, that are sad and happy at the same time.
Jim and Emma Foster – Work Day 2011
Also, you are familiar with our great stories from Emma Foster. This is her grandfather. She, and all of her family will appreciate your prayers.
Jim and Phyllis were always ready and willing to volunteer for VBS and other events at church. Most of the time, it was in the kitchen area.
Jim with Pastor Pete and Emma at Window
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 KJV)
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What a great tribute and what a great hope we have!
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What a tribute to share with those of us who knew Jim. We enjoyed Jim! He was a wonderful Christian friend! Praying for the Foster family.
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Thanks for sharing of your dear friend, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” from Proverbs 18, and even though we know they are with the Lord it is still sad and a sense of loss when they go home. May the Lord comfort and bring his peace around you and his wife and family at this time Lee.
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Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for their family and us. Today, has been sad and teary, yes, but the Lord has been comforting all of us.
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Psalm 116:!5 reminds us that “precious in the sight of the LORD is the death (i.e., Homegoing/Homecoming) of His saints”. Couldn’t help but notice the male and female grackle in the second photograph (as a baby gallinule was being observed at Lake Hollingsworth). Unlike Jim Foster, not every grandfather leaves this world with a “footprint” of having lived a solid Christian testimony. [See http://www.icr.org/article/why-we-want-go-home/ .] Now is the time to establish (in the Lord) a legacy of faith, so that those who come behind us will find that we were faithful.) Emma can be glad she has a godly grandfather — and I said “has” (not “had”).
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What a wonderful man Jim must have been here on this planet – we need more of them. I know sweet Emma and her family (especially her Grandmother) as well as you, Lee and Dan, and many others will miss him for just a little while until we are all in heaven. May our great Lord bring much comfort to all of you during this time. God bless all of you.
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