The latest string of storms through North Carolina made news in most of the United States. I happened upon this video that is the epitome of “calm under pressure”:
A little digging gave me some more of the story:
Steven Hoag, who works for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, had left his home to repair a traffic light during the bad weather.
He saw the tornado while he was driving and pulled into a car park as the twister seemed to be moving away.
Mr Hoag called his sister on his mobile phone and began filming the tornado.
We just returned home from a two-day celebration of the life of Wilson D. Miller, my grandfather. It truly was a celebration of his life and his ‘home-going’.
I am so thankful to be a part of a family that celebrates AND mourns.
Did you catch that? “celebrates AND mourns”…
I think sometimes Christians live by an ‘either/or’ option here instead of a both and. Those who celebrate WITHOUT mourning quote Matthew 8:12, where Jesus tells his disciples to let the “dead bury their own dead”. Christians who find difficultly with the “celebration” part of a funeral of a co-heir with Christ might focus attention on Jesus visible grief at the death of Lazarus in John 11. In all honesty, “Jesus wept.” (11:35) doesn’t resemble joyful celebration at all, I don’t think.
I believe the healthy response to loss, rather, includes both mourning and celebration. I personally find it easier to ‘do’ the celebrating and much more difficult to ‘do’ the mourning. I recalled numerous memories over the past couple of days that enabled me to do both – and I’m thankful to have been surrounded by friends and family who walked and continue to walk that road together.
Wilson D. Miller, 85, of Nazareth, Pa., formerly of Danielsville, PA. died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Ruth E. (Kleppinger) who died in October of 2006, and Alma E. (Buskirk) who he married in June 2007. Born in Bath, PA. he was the son of the late Daniel and Nettie (Deemer) Miller.
Wilson was a self-employed General contractor for 55 years and an Auctioneer for over 30 years in the Danielsville area. Prior to he worked for the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. as a foundry chainman for several years. He was a long time member of the Zion Wesleyan Church, Point Phillips, PA., where he also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for 45 years. A 20 year member of the Christian Businessman’s Association; He was a member and Past President of the NIMROD Hunting club, Belfont, PA. He was a member of the American Legion Post #899, Danielsville, PA. Wilson was a musically inclined individual able to play many different instruments. He was also gifted when it came to woodworking and wood craft, he owned and operated Will’s wood craft in Danielsville, PA. for many years. He served his country as a Seaman 1st class in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
Surviving along with his wife Alma are;
Two Daughters,
-Bonnie R. wf. of Abraham Sauder of Schwenksville, PA.
-Sally A. wf. of Pastor Paul Sheets of Middleburg, PA.
Four Sons,
-Rev. Barry Lee Miller & wf. Yvonne of Galax, Va.
-Glenn D. Miller & wf. Kimberly of Allentown, Pa.
-Bruce A. Miller & wf. Lynn of Danielsville, Pa.
-Brian C. Miller of Walnutport, Pa.
Two Step Daughters;
-Mrs. Maryann Deutsch of Nazareth, PA.
-Patricia wf. of Robert Pyle of Allentown, PA.
Step Daughter-in-law; Mrs. Barbara Konrath, Allentown, PA.
Two Sisters,
-Grace wf. of Rev. Earl Heckman of Wiconisco, PA.
-Mary Jane wf. of Allen Bohun of Delps, PA.
13 Grandchildren
19 Great-Grandchildren
6 Step-Grandchildren
13 Step Great Grandchildren
He was predeceased by 2 infant Sons, A Granddaughter; Stacia Sheets, 1 Brother and 2 Sisters.
Arrangements are being handled by Schisler Funeral Home, Inc., 2119 Washington Avenue, Northampton, PA. 18067.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Bethany Wesleyan Church, 675 Blue Mountain Drive, Cherryville, PA. 18035. Funeral service will follow at 7pm at the church. Phone #: (610)262-2727 – Fax #: (610)262-4699
There will be additional visitation on Monday April 18, 2011 from 9-10am at Bethany Wesleyan Church followed by a Praise and worship service at 10:00am. Pastor Paul Sheets, Rev. Barry L. Miller, and Rev. Tedd Leininger will officiate. Interment will follow the Monday Service at Covenant United Methodist Church Cemetery in Point Phillips, PA.
CONTRIBUTIONS: May be made to the Zion Wesleyan Church Building Fund C/O the funeral home.
I had the privilege again this morning of being a guest on The Techology Show this morning. We chatted about a variety of subjects including Rob Bell & his book “Love Wins”. We also chatted in length about the book “Heaven is For Real” by Todd Burpo which I reviewed here a few months ago.
Here is the video of today’s podcast:
Thanks to Tony, Heath, Matthew, and Steve for inviting me again to be involved in this!
Wilson D. Miller, 85, of Nazareth, Pa., formerly of Danielsville, PA. died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Ruth E. (Kleppinger) who died in October of 2006, and Alma E. (Buskirk) who he married in June 2007. Born in Bath, PA. he was the son of the late Daniel and Nettie (Deemer) Miller.
