I found this blog post that Steve wrote on April 1, 2007. It seemed pretty appropriate.
“This experience with Ian has reminded me again of how fleeting life is. I don’t belong here on this earth and neither does Ian. Christ died for our sins. He made us new creatures. He promised homes for us in heaven. He made us for heaven. Like the moon doesn’t seem to belong in the sky when it’s still light out, I don’t belong here. Things that I desire and pursue will one day not be there to pursue, because I’ll shed this life and all it’s pursuits like a worn-out pair of jeans. I once made a comment to a friend about how pointless it seemed to spend so much time fixing our houses: “it’s all going to burn anyway.” He wisely pointed out that we have to have somewhere to live while we’re here. True, but I want to hold things loosely. After all, I don’t belong here.”
anonymous
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
Thanks Larissa for posting this….I love the part "After all, I don't belong here" what a simple simple truth but…how quickly we forget it or don't act like we believe it. Thank you so much for the reminder of how we should live. I really needed the reminder this week!
Sarah Smith
October 26, 2009 at 8:49 pm
thank you for posting this. it is such a wonderful reminder of truth!
Even though you don't know me, please know that I am praying for you and your family! thank you for your steadfast example of honoring and trusting God in the midst of difficult trials. You glorify God so well, and I'm excited to see the plans He has for you!! For they are most certainly great and beyond your expectations.
I will keep on praying for you all! May God fill you with peace and joy that surpasses all earthly understanding!
anonymous
October 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Oh how like Steve! Thank you for posting this – it speaks to all of us about our "home" here on earth. It is only temporary – we look to the glory waiting for us in the "house" of God. THAT is permanent! Again, thank you for sharing. With continual prayer for all of you. Rene (Altoona)
babydoc
October 26, 2009 at 9:49 pm
My dad died in 2007 when I was 24, and mum died January this year when I was 25…
I wonder if Steve has met my parents yet. I will miss his posts. Thanks for digging up today's one.
anonymous
October 26, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Thank you. You don't know how much this has spoken to me in a personal way! What simple, yet awesome, words spoken by Steve and….oh, how true. THIS is not our home! How we need to be reminded of that, so that we don't put too much concern on the things of this world but put more concern on what is ETERNAL!! Thank you, thank you!! God bless you all and keep you. I know that He will. Praying for you always.
Destiny
October 27, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Wise words from a wise man. Thanks for the great reminder. Praying for you guys! (Mike and Destiny Bell)
anonymous
October 28, 2009 at 4:10 am
Larissa~
Though I have checked the blog every day & have prayed for you, Ian, Mary and family every day, there have been no 'words from the Lord' to share, so I have not commented.
Just wanted you to know you have not been neglected and how very, very much the Lord speaks through what you share AND what you do not share… to His glory. 🙂
lovingly,
HveHope
anonymous
October 28, 2009 at 11:15 am
I told my wife last night that I missed reading the blog for the day. My wife told me that Larissa posted a beautiful picture of Steve with a suit on. Steve is a beautiful man no matter how he is presented. But to show him in this suit with his lovely family, it shows an extra ordinary beautiful man. This picture and the message posted is a reminder to me once again how lucky I am to live next door to the Murphys.
I do not know if Steve meant me by his statement I once made a comment to a friend about how pointless it seemed to spend so much time fixing our houses." I feel that I am the friend that Steve is referring to because he told me something very similar as he was helping me with the many construction projects at our house. I love Steve a lot, I miss him more and I long very much to seeing him in the life after. Thanks Larissa for posting this beautiful picture/message. God Bless.
Azad
anonymous
October 28, 2009 at 1:10 pm
What a great reminder of what our real goal should be. This temporary housing at times does get in the way of where my eyes should be. Thanks for the message. As I cleaned up my yard yesterday, putting everything to sleep for winter, I couldn't help but be sad. It was momentary sadness for I thought of the great renewing in the spring and how it that is so like the renewal we have to look forward to. Praise God for keeping the Light on!!!!!!
anonymous
October 28, 2009 at 4:07 pm
"…but I want to hold things loosely."
Me, too, Steve. Thanks for your example.
Still Praying!
Mary Ann K.
Elaine
November 2, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Beautiful, Larissa! Thanks for posting; it reminds me to hold everything with an open hand.
Praying for you, Ian, and your families,