Friday, August 8, 2008

A Tribute to Mike Butler

This is a post to honor my good friend Katie's dad, Mr. Butler. I met Katie when I moved here 14 years ago. She was instantly a good friend. We would stay up late at night chatting about any and everything. We loved Point of Grace and cheese dip. Her room was decorated with gold and angels. Today her dad went to be with the Lord. Her parents are some of the most godly and neat people I have ever met.

Mr. Butler was a theologian who loved to study the Scriptures. He spoke at his daughter's funeral last year and it was amazing. The truth he spoke was very profound and I was wishing I had a pen and paper to be taking notes. He built his wife the house of her dreams with his own hands. He always had a smile on his face and loved his family dearly.

His wife Vickie is one of the most godly ladies you will ever meet. She has a servant's heart and love's the Lord and her family. And she loves her husband dearly. I always noticed what a neat marriage God blessed them with. When she would speak of her husband she would speak with a heart of giddyness and love, even after all these years.

The Olympics began today and I've been thinking alot about heaven this afternoon. One of my best friend's in the world has a daughter, sister and dad in heaven now. I'm watching all the nations parade across the screen. It is amazing to think that one day someone from every nation will be represented around the throne.

My heart grieves for my dear friend and her family. We sang the song, "It Is Well With My Soul" Sunday, and I've been singing it this afternoon.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford

"I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 54:10

"There I will make the Valley of Trouble to be for her a door of hope and expectation." Hosea 2:15

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Anna, that was so beautiful, thank you so much.
I've said it before, Katie is blessed to have a friend in you!

I find myself feeling the same way I did 16 months ago, when Kris died- I am so heartbroken that I got to call them "family" for such a short time, but I am so thankful for the time I spent with them both.

May I borrow this, and put it up on my facebook? It is just such a lovely tribute to Mike, and to Vick and Kate.

Thanks again girl!

Samantha said...

I loved skimming through your posts, looking at pictures, and reading conversations between you and the boys! I cannot wait to be home in a few days and see y'all - I am staying in LR for a bit to hang out then I will be ready to go to your house and wrestle with those boys

The Walkie Talkie said...

What a moving post to honor such a Godly man! My heart mourns this significant loss for the Butler family while heaven rejoices it's newest residence. My prayers are with them. (Mrs. Vickie was my Sunday school teacher back in the day.)