 4 Seests in Paradise |
A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on September 11th, 2003. His name was reported as being Robert Matthews, but that name could have been an alias for privacy. These are his words: "A few weeks before September 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for; I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. "After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'Take good care of my grandchild.' Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger, anger at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye. Then something happened. "About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' "He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'There is something else you need to know.' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and lead him to Christ. "I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves. "When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so mother and baby could live." This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. And second, but most important, God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of Heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12 & 13 Words of the LORD Jehovah Reference I use when I sign copies of my book, No Accident. Psalm 272 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavillion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea I will sing praises unto the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 9 Hide not Thy face far from me; put not Thy servant away in anger: Thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.  Thank you SO much, Kim. I will keep the light burning... On our homepage, In our window, And in my heart. |
Some of my FAVORITE graphics/photos that I've seen...
Artist Unknown...please E-mail Me if you know the artist!!
Mom of 9's Place
Artist/Origin Unknown
Artist/Origin Unknown
From 9/12 USA TODAY
Artist/Origin Unknown
Is this not incredible? I received this in an e-mail with the following story:
"This picture was taken by a lady returning on a cruise this past summer (July 28, 2001). It is a sunrise over lower Manhattan.
"SHE Writes: As I watched the beautiful skyline of New York City float past me I noticed the sun was about to line up just behind the twin towers. I was lucky enough to snap the picture at exactly the right moment. If you look at the sun rays it is almost prophetic. - a little spooky.
"When I show this picture to anyone they almost always asks for a copy. I just want to share it with all who want it. Please take this picture and share it with anyone and everyone who likes it. I've been printing them like crazy on my home computer to give to those that want a copy."
All I see when I look at this is the brilliant glow of the cross...
Copyright 2001 Sue Urban
This beautiful artwork was done by Rik Berry
Caleb's Country Corner
And of course, one of the most famous photos...
4 Seests' in Paradise
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our COMPLETE site index! |
 4 Seests' Letter to our fellow Patriots 4 Seests' Letter to the terrorists Click on the links below to view other EXCELLENT pages on dealing with this tragedy...from a Christian perspective.  Annie's HomepageA Call to America -- Balanced Word Ministries"In Just One Day..." - an original poem by my friend Sarah J(She is Home with the Lord now) Heroes of Ground Zero -- from Cathy's WorldRemember the Blood of HeroesSuzan Vitti - WTC Ground Zero Volunteer (aka "The Entenmann's Lady") Nancy's Memorial Quilt ...a beautiful cyber-quilt tribute.... 911 Remembered... -- the most powerful online presentation I've seen. It takes about 5 minutes to download and another 5 to view, but it is INCREDIBLE.    Copyright 2001 by Jennifer M. Seest
 World Trade Center & Pentagon photos courtesy of FOX News Online Flight 93 field in Shanksville, PA photo courtesy of PA Highways.com |
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