But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. (Matthew 6:29 NCV)

My sister went to be with God on 28th April, 2012. God’s flower has fallen to the ground – but his promises of life before, during and after death shine on forever.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
(Isaiah 40:8)

Life is short. Even the most glorious flowers fall to the ground when autumn ends and winter comes. Death has thrown my world upside-down and my life will never be the same. But how comforted is the man that knows life’s secret…

Death has lost its sting. Death is no longer an end. Death is no longer the sum of all fears. That is why I cry in my heart:

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
(1 Corinthians 15:55)

Our world fears death and the unknown. Our world fears suffering. Our world fears loss. But as for me, death is merely a location change, a move from this groaning, aching world into a glorious kingdom in which we stand by the side of Jesus Christ, Son of God.

This is a promise from God. He offers a rich invitation to you, to your friends, to your family – Do you want to stand with me, victorious over death? I want to give you life. I want to share with you my victory over death!

…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(John 10:10)

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
(1 Corinthians 15:54 NLT)

Death has been defeated. Where is my sister as of this moment? I think about this question lot, for I miss her terribly. But I know that today, she is in paradise by the side of the God she adored.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed…

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

(Luke 23:32,39-43)

Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens. (Song of Songs 2:2)