In Memory, Fifteen Years Later

Fifteen years ago today, November 22, 2002, Frank P. Nickel was promoted to glory. I woke with this song on my mind. In it, he reminds us that heaven is our true country of citizenship. I like to think of Dad perhaps collaborating with King David to compose and sing new songs of praise to our God. I don't know if that sort of thing happens in heaven, but I'm guessing we'll be using our God-given creativity in some fulfilling, joy-filled manner. It boggles the mind.

We sang this song often during the later years of our family ministry, and I've already posted it twice in this blog project. Yet as I meditate on these words, inspired by Psalm 103:2, it seems fitting to share them again, this time courtesy of a video taken during the memorial service for our brother, Bob, this past July. Not our finest moment, musically or emotionally, as you can understand, but it is a tender mercy that we can be together and remember our beloved ones who have gone before, and realize they are in that place where God wipes all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more sadness. Please enjoy the video and the lyrics below.


Forget not all His benefits, my soul, bless thou the Lord.
Review His tender mercies and the comfort of His word.
Remember well the greatest of the gifts that He has given:
Eternal life through Christ our Lord and citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits, for friends and loved ones dear;
For those who share our joys with us, who in our grief stand near.
Thank God for courage and for strength when past endurance driven.
Yet keep in mind that gift supreme: your citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits within the walls called home.
For peace and for protection as the paths of life we roam.
For healing of these bodies and for sins, now all forgiven.
For hope beyond this vale of tears and citizenship in heaven.

Refrain:
Oh bless the Lord for Jesus' blood and for his side once riven
Eternal life through Christ is mine, and citizenship in heaven.

fpn/undated

Originally posted Jan. 25, 2014 and May 5, 2017
Video credit: Jay Holden, via Facebook Live, July 19, 2017
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the printed music.