After my first husband died, a man came to see our timber frame house. After the visit he said, “what a shame he didn't get to enjoy this for very long.” His comment reminds me of the saying, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Even though this is usually said as a joke, Iʼve seen many people live their lives with this goal in mind. The truth is that those who die with the most toys are still dead. (Jim Daily) Jesus says, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” (Billy Graham) The man's comment didn't bother me because I knew Who Joe loved more than anything or anyone else. And because of His relationship with Christ, he knew what was truly important in this life... and the next.

Father God, Joeʼs favorite hymn sums up his life quite well:Iʼd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;Iʼd rather be His than have riches untold;Iʼd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;Iʼd rather be led by His nail pierced Hand. Than to be the king of a vast domain;Or be held in sinʼs dread sway;Iʼd rather have Jesus than anything;This world affords today. "(Oscar Bernadotte 1888; Rhea Miller 1922) Amen.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."1 Corinthians 2:9