November

May you see God's light on the path below your walk, as you make your way through your journey of grief into hope this month.

God's blessings,
Vickie

Hand in Hand

I came across this, and thought it should be posted.

"For a short time, I had your body in my body.

I carried your belly in my belly.

And now, though I have your heart in my heart , I feel your soul in my soul.

I will never have your hand in my hand.

I will miss your life in my life."

I do not know who wrote this, but I do believe there will be a day you will be hand in hand again, walking on the golden streets in our heavenly homes. God bless all those who have carried a child, and suffered their loss.

First day of Fall

This is the first day of fall. It is beautiful here in Seattle. I know today might not feel beautiful to those of you going through grief. I pray today your day is filled with the strength of the Lord. That He will lead you into something beautiful; That He will take your sadness and turn it into hope, as you enter a new season. He is the God of broken hearts, the God of healing hearts, the God that brings you and your loved ones back together in eternity. God Bless you today with healing and hope for this new season. Vickie

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and our strength, a tested help in times of trouble".
-Psalm 46:1


Our God is there through your hard, sad, and sometimes lonely days. Loss often leaves you with feelings like these. You wonder if the pit you feel in the bottom of your stomach, and the ache in your heart will ever go away. Maybe it will never completely leave you, but He is there. He is your refuge. He is your strength. Hold on to Him, and know you will make it through. He will not leave you.

Luke 22:31-32

Simon, Simon, satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail.

-Life Application Bible


Jesus "Pleaded in Prayer" for Simon in verse 32. I believe if you ask, our father will pray for you in your time of need. Amazing, and unbelievable, He prayed for Simon, and yes He will pray for you, His child, just as we pray for our children. He will pray , when you are weak, when you are broken, and yes when you are grieving. Remember today if you need prayer, you can go to Him, your Heavenly father, and ask for His prayer.

Psalms 116:1-2

I love the Lord because He hears my prayers, and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breath.

Psalms 116:1-2
Life Application Bible


There have been days I wondered if He really hears my prayers, but the thing I have learned to be truth is, He hears but it is always in His time He answers, not mine. His time always seems (even though at the time I thought the answer needed to be immediate) to be right on. This verse says He bends down. I can just feel Him bending down putting His cheek against mine and whispering in my ear, I'm working on it.

I will pray as long as I have breath!

Pslams 116:15

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of those faithful to Him.

Psalms 116:15
Life Application Study Bible


Precious, defined in the dictionary is described as: great value, very valuable, dear, beloved.

Related words: cherished, treasured, wanted.


Our death dated and signed by Him is carefully orchestrated by our God. We are so loved by our Heavenly Father. We are valuable, dear, cherished and wanted. When He calls us home it is from His great desire to have us in our heavenly home right beside Him, sharing eternity. We are wanted. He longs to be with all of us who love Him. My hope is that this brings you peace as you realize your loved ones are in the presence of great,treasured, love.

In His Time

I opened my bible this morning and started reading Ecclesiastes 3.

"A time to be born; a time die;
A time to plant; a time to harvest;
A time to kill a time to heal;
A time to destroy; a time to rebuild;
A time to cry; a time to laugh;
A time to grieve; a time to dance;
A time for scattering stones; a time for gathering stones;
A time to hug; a time not to hug;
A time to find; a time to lose;
A time for keeping; a time for throwing away;
A time to tear; a time to repair;
A time to be quite; a time to speak up;
A time for loving; a time for hating;
A time for war; a time for peace."


This is the passage that came to me when we were designing the cover of "I'll see you in Heaven". God gave me a vision of the pocket watch you see on the cover and throughout the book. He revealed to me in a very clear way His desire for the watch to be the centerpiece on the cover, and a major theme in the book.

Verse 2- "There is a time to be born: a time to die."

This I believe.

The only one who can call your loved ones home is our God. He is the one orchestrating our coming in and our going out. If only for a moment we come and leave,we still have the ability to change the world. He uses every life, He brings us to love, He uses us to touch hearts, and sometimes breaking hearts as we pass through. But every one of us will change this world simply by His placing us in it. I am sorry for all of your losses, and all of your broken hearts. What I wanted to share in all of this, is that the God I serve will bring you healing if only you trust Him. I believe that for all of you there will be a day when you are once again in the arms of those who have gone to be with our Jesus.

Christmas books

It was a couple of weeks before Christmas. My daughter had been given a massage gift certificate. She asked if I would join her, and of course, I did! Who doesn't love a good massage, and I very seldom get one, so this was going to be a real treat! I discovered quickly the young women I got that day would not be the woman that gave me the massage of my life that I was looking forward to. Instead she became an opportunity to speak of the hope and healing that only our God can bring.

She shared with me it had been one year since the death of her 14 year old sister. She spoke of how difficult this time of the year was for her and her family. Her sister was killed crossing the street getting off a bus after a long day of Christmas shopping. She also shared that her sister had accepted Christ as her Savior not long before dying. She was not sure about all this salvation "stuff" as she explained to me. We talked for the entire hour. I returned the next week to leave some books. I know without a doubt this meeting was orchestrated by God. It is no mistake that just a couple of weeks before the time we would celebrate His birth, He would reach out to bring comfort and the hope of heaven to a grieving family.

Birthday

My daughter and son in law gave me a book to read, Brennan Mannings' "the furious longing of God", for mother's day. I also turned 54 the same week. I mention this because, on page 66 Brennan writes "I would simply do the next thing in love" if he had it to do all over again. As I move through this year my desire is to do exactly that. I want my heart to be led by God; to be a person who's actions are led by love. I will need prayer as I often find it is hard to be what you so want to be for God, in a world that so often encourages you to be what you want to be or what makes you feel good for yourself. I also pray that God will use me in service to Him, guiding me, as I find ways to share "I'll see you in Heaven".





Blessing's


Vickie

Kauai

I have returned from Kauai. I had a wonderful time as it is a beautiful island! While there, my husband and I attended a church that was built in the 1940's (picture attached) . If anyone knows me they know I love old churches. This one was small and quaint and just seemed so filled with character . The moment I saw it, I told my husband I wanted to attend on Sunday. We did and the Reverend gave a good sermon speaking on Paul and Peter. After the service, cake and juice were served on the front lawn. Talk about quaint! I knew when I saw the Reverend enter the church I would be leaving a book. After cake and small talk in the yard of the church, I went into the sanctuary and left a book with the Reverend. I know God's hand was in this from the beginning. After all, who knows better than He, my love for old churches!



In His service and feeling very blessed,



Vickie

Hawaii 2009

I am off to Hawaii today. My husband was given a condo to use on Kauai and we had more air miles. He thought it would be fun to surprise me. You see, it is my 54th birthday on Saturday, and I was very surprised!! It is so unlike him to take off two weeks of vacation from work at a time, and so close together. I have to believe God has plans, and I am so excited. I will take more books and look for opportunities. God willing, He will use me again.


Grace and Blessings,


Vickie

The Cruise; Book number two

Shortly after my first encounter with giving away a book, my husband and I went to the barbeque being served on Cococay for lunch. We sat down with our plates at a picnic table. Beginning to eat, we were joined by a couple who sat across from us. They shared with us that they came with two friends; their Pastor and his wife. I knew this was again, no 'chance' encounter. My thoughts drifted to the book and what God would have me say. Often my nerves get the best of me. I do not want to ever come across as prideful when telling someone I have a book out. I know, without a doubt, this book is His not mine. Even saying the words "I have a book out" is often hard for me. We began talking and shared where we were from, and then their friends joined us. I wrestled with whether or not I should bring the book up. Finally the thought went through my mind that if I did not step out in faith that I might miss the chance for God to use the book and me. I did bring it up and it was well received. I not only left the second book I had brought on the trip with them, but received a call asking for another book to be sent.

God's voice and strength lives inside of all believers and we are often called to step out in faith to do His will. Stepping out will not always be easy but can come with the great blessing of feeling His presence as we do His will.

The Cruise; Book number one

Last week I was on a cruise with my husband. Before I went I felt God encourging me to bring two books. I had gone through seven days of the trip and still had both books. On the seventh and last day I woke up thinking of missed oportunities. I thought that maybe I had been so caught up in the wonderful places I was visiting and this beautiful ship I was on, that I had missed who these books were to be given to. My husband and I boarded a small boat and went to the last island we would visit, Cococay. I could not stop thinking about the two books. I spoke to God sitting on the beach that day saying "I want to do your will with the books Lord, and not miss an opportunity". I decided to go look at the things the locals were selling on the beach. I walked through a booth with a Christian music station playing. As I was leaving I told the Lord I wanted to buy something at this booth. Well, something caught my eye just as I was stepping out of the booth, (God is so good) and yes I bought it. The best part was not the cute swimsuit wrap I found, but the man that helped me with the purchase started talking about our Lord and sharing how good He is. I walked away knowing I was coming back to leave the first of the books with him.

Maybe I did miss oppurtunities on this trip, but our God is so good to let us have the opportunity to serve Him again and again. What an honor.

The art show

I went to view a friends' art work that was on display at one of our local gift stores. I shared with her that my book had come out. I pulled it out of my purse to show it to her when someone shopping overheard us. She asked if she could see the book, so I let her have a look. As she looked it over she began to share with me the story of the funeral she would soon be attending. A friends' daughter had lost her husband while he was working out of the country. It was a tragic and very sad death and his wife was pregnant with their first child. The lady that I met in the gift store bought the book that day. I was told that the young widow gave birth to a little girl around the holidays and the book has become part of the memories she will share with this little girl someday.

The lady from the gift store has become a good friend of mine. She continues to share the book "I'll See You in Heaven", with many as they go through grief of their own.

Vickie

Welcome to May

I pray this will be a blessed month for all. For those of you grieving, I pray this month will bring healing; That this month will breath new life and strength into you as each of you experience the beauty of God's creation's coming into bloom.
God Bless all,
Vickie

Hearing the Voice of the Lord

My husband and I were on our way over to our cabin in Eastern Washington. I put a book in my purse just in case I met someone who might be in need of it. I want to do the will of God with the book, and I know it is such a miracle just to be apart of it. My husband was driving and I was enjoying the beautiful colors of the trees when a thought passed through my mind. I would meet someone God wanted me to give the book "I'll see you in Heaven" to. I actually said in my head "God, if this is you, I want to be obedient". I questioned if this was my voice I was hearing or God's voice. Thinking I was just talking to myself, I almost dismissed this thought but again heard the voice of the Lord speak to me that He wanted me to do this.


We got to our cabin and decided to go into town and get something to eat. I was sitting in a chair when I first noticed the blonde woman with angel pins on her jacket. As I looked over at her my heart began to beat faster and faster. It was at this time I realized she was the one the book was for. Fear came all over me in an instant. Satan is always actively working to stop the plans the Father has for his people. All I could think was "I want to be obedient Father. Please give me strength". Before I knew it, I was approaching her and telling her I liked the angel pins. This started a conversation where she shared with me her story; The story of how her, her husband, son, and grandson were on their way to a wedding when a drunk driver hit them head on, killing her son and her grandson. She held her grandson in her arms as he passed away.
I reached in my purse and pulled out the book and told her "God told me to give this to you". We both started to cry. She loved the book, and was so moved by it. She ordered a few to have available for personal use for those she encounters on her journey as a speaker for MADD in schools in her area.


I saw for the first time that day how God was going to call me into obedience again and again to reach out to those He loves so dearly using the book.

"I Never Thought"

Ok, this is hard. I never thought I would be blogging at the age of 54. I never thought I would have a book out, let alone a book about grief of all things! There are so many, "I never thoughts" in my life today and I can pretty much contribute most all to my relationship with my Savior. When this journey started many years ago my life was turned upside down. Things I never thought possible started becoming possible. So here I am, being led by God to share with you my journey, with the book, with my God, and my life. Just so all of you know, I do this with fear sitting on one shoulder telling me I am not capable, I am not smart enough, I am not interesting enough, or I will just make myself look stupid. This being said, I will trust God, putting this before Him and believing He will lead.


May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you; show you his favor; and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24,25,26


Blessings,
Vickie

University Presbyterian Church wrote

I received your book today and spent a little time looking at it. I work with grief support groups and also families going through loss so I am sure I will have opportunity to share it. It is very well done.

Pastor Don of MillCreek Foursquare Church said:

"I'll see you in Heaven" is a invaluable gift of hope for those going through the painful process of suffering and loss. In this small book Vickie Funston captures the hope of faith through scripture, life giving insight and visual beauty. Each page brings us closer to the reality of Heaven through the message of Christ. Every Christian should have such a tool in their library for when the opportunity comes to present the hope of Heaven to those who need to hear.

Colette's Recommendation

I'll see you in Heaven is a perfect book for those who are grieving. I love that it is an easy read-ideal for someone who is in need of comfort but not emotionally able to approach a lengthy dialogue. It brings hope and "connects" us to the one whom we suddenly feel a great separation from. It's my" #1 favorite" to give to those in a time of loss. Many family members and friends have received this book from me as an expression of love and sympathy. One friend passed it along to her boss when he lost a family member.

64 page Gift book

"I'll see you in Heaven" is a 64 page gift book. This book is a wonderful little book narrated from the voice of the person that has passed on. There is a place at the end of the book to put a picture of that person. "I'll see you in Heaven" is also a great tool for anyone grieving. It is filled with beautiful art work that gives the heart a small but wonderful view of what Heaven has to offer. It has scripture written through out the book keeping us close to the word of God and close to his heart as we grieve. I believe this book is spoken from the heart of God and I have been given testimony that it has blessed many.
Vickie

Sherri's Testimony of "I'll see you in Heaven"

Sherri Albert has written-
My friend was 7 months pregnant and her husband had just lost his life tragically. This little book has has been added to her daughter's keepsakes of her father that she will never have the opportunity to know and love. My friend and her family are Christians and your book was really very special to them.
I have given it to several people already that have lost a loved one.
One of my friend's son died at 29 last year of cancer. I mailed the book to her and put her son's picture in it. After she received it she called me crying and telling me how special this book was for her and her husband.
Another dear friend of mine who just lost her husband-could not get over how special this little book is. Having the picture of her husband put in the "picture frame" in the back ot the book was so appreciated by her.
There is not another book out there I am aware of that comes from the view of the deceased side.

Someone recently asked...."What to say to somebody who is not necessarily a believer?"

Always pray before you go to have a conversation with someone, asking God to lead you and give you the words to speak. I always find that expressing how God has touched my life by using personal examples of how God has answered prayer and done amazing things in my life is helpful in these situations. It is often through your love, grace, kindness, and time spent with a person, that they often begin to ask more questions of you and a door opens to start sharing the word of God. Always, always, always begin in prayer and then trust that God will speak through you.

I'll See You In Heaven

“I’ll See You in Heaven” provides a vivid picture of the sights and sounds of heaven while bringing comfort to those in the midst of grief. Appealing to both men and women, it provides a page to insert a photo of a lost loved one, space to record memories, and is available in a personal, compact size. This book captures the essence of the hope that is found in understanding the perfection of Heaven.

*Encourages those who have suffered a loss

*Reassures us of the promise of heaven through Biblical truth with scripture throughout the book

*Reminds us of the blessings enjoyed by those who have gone to be with Jesus

*Serves as a personal and thoughtful gift for grieving hearts

*Includes a page to insert a photo of the loved on

Knowing a loved one is healed and whole in the presence of Jesus eases the suffering of those left behind. You will find strength and inspiration as you hear the voice of your loved one saying, “I’ll See You in Heaven”.

My testimony

In 2001 Fran Lance visited to speak prophesy over the women in a bible study I was involved in at my church. I was surprised when she took my hands and said "you write". I quickly said “no, I am not a writer”. She simply replied "do you write something? Do you journal, anything?” Fran told me that when she touched my hands she clearly saw writing. She said that God had something for me to write and that He would give me the ideas, and guide me from there. Fran ended it by saying she had no idea when any of this would all happen.

I went home that day with my little white tape recording of what she said, and laughed as I told my family "I am going to write someday". I had no desire to write and I was sure I had no gifts in this area, but there was still a part of me that knew without a doubt that if God wanted me to write, I would, and this made me excited.

One and a half years later, I awoke one morning with a dream of a book, which is now, "I'll See You in Heaven". I actually saw written pages of the book. I saw scripture that was to be in the book, and I saw some of the artwork. I even saw at the end of the book a place to put the picture of the loved one that had passed away with the phrase, "I'll See You in Heaven".

I told my husband Daryl and he told me to write it down. I did and tucked it away in a drawer. For the next two years when I would open the drawer, I prayed over my notes, telling the Lord if He wanted it to be a book He was going to have to make it happen.

My prayers continued, and in 2006 my sister called to tell me that at her college, my niece Jaime had been prophesied over that she was going to be a writer. Soon after, Jaime and I met over a cup of coffee and she told me she loved the idea behind the book and wanted to be a part of it. Jaime took home what God had given me and she began to see what God gave her as she wrote more of what was to be in the book. We met again to pray over the manuscript so that God would reveal His final words for the book.

God started showing us our path and met our every need. First, a professor and published writer from Jaime's college asked if she could see what we had. We met with her and she affirmed us, saying simply, "write this". Next, we needed a publisher. The professor gave us the name of a company and days later we submitted a manuscript. Our graphic artist, Jessica, is a friend of Jaime’s and attends my church. Our photographer was Jessica’s sister. When we needed a cover and had only days to complete it, I was awoken by an image the Lord gave me of a pocket watch. I spent the next day photographing my husband's pocket watch which now sits beautifully on the cover. The scripture Ecclesiastes 3:2, "A time to be born; a time to die", was part of this vision, and is the idea behind the watch. For the artwork, I had mentioned that I felt sepia would be the style in a meeting with Jaime and Jessica. Jaime said she was thinking the same thing, and Jessica even showed up with samples of sepia pieces she had! This was the kind of confirmation we continually encountered as we walked the journey together.

"I'll See You in Heaven" was released in September of 2007, and is a beautiful book that ministers to those in the midst of grief. It is written from the perspective of a loved one that has passed. The book portrays a tangible and biblical glimpse into Heaven. It is meant to bring the hope of reuniting with loved ones to those who have suffered loss. It all started with prophesy, became a vision, and is now a book that is already being divinely used by God.

Vickie Funston

heavenbook@comcast.net