My life on earth is all complete and I’ve finally entered that beautiful gate where I had to wait for so long.  I’ve always dreamed about being in heaven, enjoying that wonderful life described in the Word of God, well let me tell you, it’s more beautiful than I ever imagined.        

Being a carpenter, I thought much about my mansion that Jesus had gone to prepare.  Well, I can tell you it was built by Biblical code; the foundations were of precious stones, the walls of jasper, gates of pearls and streets paved with gold.  It was ready for me to move in and I’m staying fixed for the rest of eternity. You see this didn’t just happen the other day.  It started a long time ago when I heard the Word of God, the Holy Ghost got a hold of my soul and I was never the same since I got saved.   I loved the Lord, went to church, gave my tithes and offerings and did all those things I thought was right.  I have no regrets living for HIM, for now I will receive those rewards for the faithful service that I have done.    

God gave me a wonderful family – Bernice and I have been together for 60 years.  She stood by my side and gave me that special loving care when I was helpless and needed so much attention.  We were blessed with Cynthia, Janet, Vanessa and Doug.  They have blessed us with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which have added a new dimension to our family. I love each of them from the bottom of my heart.  You always brought me joy and laughter when you came for Thanksgiving, Christmas or some other special occasion. 

            These last few years troubled my mind and sometimes I thought I was building a house, hanging a door, or ever setting some cabinets.   I wanted them to be right, but they seemed somehow to be out of my sight.  I just couldn’t understand why others didn’t see what I saw.

Wood has always fascinated me to see the beauty of the grain, highlighted with stain or finish, sure made me proud when I crafted it by hand.  I saw a walnut tree on my father’s farm and visualized how to transform it into a solid walnut bed.  Well that came true and I slept many a night in that walnut bed.  Have some dreams, look for a vision, set your goals and you too will reach the time that you will be proud of what you’ve done.    

            I was a wise man and offered “words of wisdom.”  The other week, my nurse asked if I had some “words of wisdom” for the day.  I told her to take her money out of the bank and put it in the freezer.  She didn’t fully understand, but I knew we were in “hard times” and the stock market has been falling, so I was telling here to “freeze” her assets.  I loved good food, the home cooked style, country ham, chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy on the side.  It was an extra blessing when coconut custard or fried apple pies were close by.  The lilies were my favorite flowers and always reminded me of Easter and that glorious resurrection morning.  I loved the church and enjoyed singing about heaven and I sure want each of you to “Stroll Over Heaven” with me one day.

  Well, time has taken its toll and I have had to go, but let me leave you this message that I have learned in life.  Learn to trust God, asks Jesus to forgive your sins, and you’ll get to see me again on resurrection day.  I see a table, it’s spread with the best and I give you an invitation to join me with the rest.  The Father is the Master, and he’s at the head next to him is Jesus, the one who rose from the dead.  All I can say is I love you still, so learn to trust the Father’s will.  He knows best, so look to Him and you too will win.  To all my family and friends, I’ll be watching to see you turn the bend.  I’m with Jesus, so look to Him then you will know that I was your friend.

Rev. Bobby Rakes

Valley Drive Baptist Church

889 Valley Drive, Fieldale, VA 24089

vdbcrakes@yahoo.com

My life on earth is all complete and I have taken the flight of my life.  Jesus came the other day and I boarded the Old Ship of Zion.  This was nothing new for I had climbed aboard many other boats in life.  There is none like this one for it took me all the way to heaven’s shore where I expect to stay for evermore.

My faith in the Lord began many years ago.  I saw my need to be saved, so I trusted Jesus to forgive my sins.  I was baptized and joined the church and it was there my soul was blessed.  I loved to hear the hymns of praise and the preaching of the Word of God.  You see it is The Word of God that brings faith to the sinner’s soul.  May God help our preachers to continue to preach The Word.

I  may have been small, but God gave me muscles and strength to work.  I spent a lot of time working in the garden, growing fruits, vegetables and lots of flowers.  I enjoyed harvesting the crops and canning them for some cold winter’s day.  I even grew figs and preserved them for some fig cobblers.   I loved vegetables, just a good assortment of all kinds – beans & potatoes, corn or tomatoes.  Every once in a while I’d make a pumpkin pie or a sweet potato casserole.  I knew how to save a penny, for I learned they soon made dollars.  Once I needed  new rugs and carpet and I thought they were going to charge too much to remove the old.  So I got my shovel and wheelbarrow and took it up and rolled her to the dump.  Take the time to do some work, it will help you to live long as well as have right much. 

Being a historian, I loved to travel and see the points of history.  It was lots of fun to travel with church groups or family friends.  Just a few years ago I went to the beach and did some Para Sailing. I had a few struggles before I got up, even being run over by one of the Banana Boats.  But I finally took my flight and  I    am sailing high.  There’s no other feeling like sailing through the air. 

Thank God for my family –Brenda, Becky and Gary and all the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- great ones too.   It was  a joyful occasion when we all gathered for Thanksgiving, Christmas or some other special occasion. Our vacation times were great –riding the roller coasters, playing a few games, or taking a swim in the water – whether pool or ocean.  I wasn’t afraid to take a leap of faith. 

Well, time has taken its toll and I have had to go, but let me leave you this message that I have learned in life.  Learn to trust God, ask Jesus to forgive your sins, and you’ll get to see me again on resurrection day.   There will be that special place reserved for you, so please get ready to meet me up here.  I see a table, it’s spread with the best and I give you and invitation to join me with the rest.  The Father is the Master, and he’s at the head next to him is Jesus, the one who rose from the dead.  All I can say is I love you still, so learn to trust the Father’s will.  He knows best, so look to Him and you too will win.  To all my family and friends, I’ll be watching to see you turn the bend.  I’m with Jesus, so look to Him then you will know that I was your friend.                 

               Rev. Bobby Rakes,  Valley Drive Baptist Church, Fieldale, VA 24089 vdbcrakes@yahoo.com