If there was ever a child to be set before us as an example, if there was ever a child whom we should seek to become like, if there was ever a little one to to lead us, it was my little sister in Christ, Sofie Maye Roberts.

One year ago, in the wee hours of the morning, Sofie entered heaven with a smile on her face.

She went before me, and the life she lived still speaks.

Today, on the first anniversary of her death, I want to honour her.

When I think of Sof, the first thing that comes to mind is her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I remember her joy at being baptized, how she bee-lined it up to the front of the church with an unsteady gait, so enthusiastic to profess her faith in her Lord. I remember her huge smile as I chatted with her and Stella afterwards, and Sofie emphatically nodding when we talked about the fact that following Jesus was worth the discomfort of the water that had flooded their noses when they went under the water. I remember Sofie diligently taking notes and as she listened to sermons. She would meditate on the truth of the Word, saying to her parents, “That was an amazing sermon. It keeps going around in my head.” In one sermon about the new creation, which listed the many things there will be no more of (no more tears, no sickness, no sadness), Sofie leaned over and whispered to her mom, “No more brain tumours, Mommy.” She believed the promises of Scripture, held fast to God’s Word, and trusted in the sovereignty of her God. She once calmly responded to her Daddy’s nighttime, “See you in the morning!” with the reminder that we don’t know that we’ll see each other in the morning; that’s up to God. Sofie was a logical, matter-of-fact missy who told it like it was. A straight shooter. I loved that about her.

In all she faced, Sofie never complained. She had an optimistic outlook, expressing gratitude and genuine delight in the blessings of life. Whether swimming in her pool, playing capture-the-flag in Gym, or presenting a History Day speech, Sof was happy and smiling. She was a shining light in the midst of a world that promotes complaining, the epitome of Philippians 2:14-15:

The defining characteristic of Sofie’s life was not her sickness and her suffering; it was her courageous, patient, enduring faith. And that faith looked with confidence to the Source of these qualities, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who not only empowered her, but will empower us. He is the reason she was able to say with Paul, ‘it is better to be with Christ’, and the reason she also wanted to finish the work He had for her here. He is the reason she could persevere through the great pain of cancer, and look beyond the suffering to the renewal of all things. In a world full of much to fear, she was brave. In this she proved herself a daughter of Sarah (1 Peter 3:6), and an example for us all.

I have cried many tears this past year over the fact that I didn’t get to be Sofie’s Grade 5 teacher. She was supposed to be in my class starting in September 2024. Yet, as I have reflected on her life, I thank God that Sofie was MY teacher. And I look forward to the Day when I will see her again.

Two other helpful resources for dealing with conflict biblically are: 

1. “The Young Peacemaker: Teaching Students to Respond to Conflict God’s Way” by Corlette Sande (a 12-lesson curriculum best suited for children in Grades 5-8)

2. “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” by Ken Sande

www. resistancecoffee.com for fresh-roasted, specialty coffee from a family-run business that loves faith, family, and freedom.

Show Sponsor: Resistance Coffee - www.resistancecoffee.com

My sister in Christ, Becki Oblak (business name: Barn & Bristle) is a talented artist whose work can be followed on Instagram at @thebarnandbristle

Here is the link to the Aug. 24 reading from “Morning & Evening” by C. H. Spurgeon, read on today’s episode: 

https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/me/view.cfm?Date=0824&Time=am

Here is a beautiful children’s book/devotional for walking little ones through Psalm 23 entitled “Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23” by Susan Hunt: https://a.co/d/0PSkfZL

My favourite musical version of Psalm 23

Podcast recommendation for sister in Christ dealing with infertility: The Unveiled Podcast, Episode 69 - it’s actually part THREE of the Woman and Motherhood series (not Part 2, as I incorrectly stated on my podcast). The title of the podcast is Accepting Infertility and Receiving a New Title and a New Calling:

Show Sponsor: Resistance Coffee

Go to www.resistancecoffee.com for fresh-roasted, specialty coffee that doesn’t taste like communism.

Article by David Mathis:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/his-scars-will-never-fade

Song “Scars” by I Am They

Book referenced today: “You Are Still A Mother: Hope for Women Grieving a Stillbirth or Miscarriage” by Jackie Gibson 

It can be purchased from Reformed Book Services in Brantford, Ontario (see link below), and it ships cheaply as regular mail because it is such a small book! 

https://reformedbookservices.com/

Song to listen to: “I Lay it All” by Sovereign Grace Music 

Lyrics

VERSE 1
When troubles come, when darkness crowds
When fortunes fail and loss surrounds
My soul is weak, but Christ is strong
And so to Him I leave it all
For He Who holds all things
Can bear each care I bring

CHORUS
So, I lay it all on Jesus
Steadfast is the love of Jesus
He hears my cry, He’s faithful
I lay it all on Jesus

VERSE 2
When questions rise, when faith wears thin
When fears come fast, and truth grows dim
The One Who saved will not forsake
I’ll trust His word and trust His way
For He Who bore my blame
Can bear each care I name

BRIDGE
I am weak; You are strong
Jesus, come and take it all
All my cares I cast on You

Relevant Book Recommendations: 

1. “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace 

2. “Building Her House” by Nancy Wilson 

3. “The Fruit of Her Hands” by Nancy Wilson 

Scripture references for comfort in affliction: 

• Ps. 147:3

• Ps. 56:8

• Lam. 3:22-24

• Jer. 31:31

• Hosea 2:14

• Is. 51:12 

• Ps. 119:49-50, 76

• Gen. 49:22-26 

A comforting song to have on “repeat” in trying times: 

“What is Our Hope in Life and Death?” by the Gettys

Christmas book bundle for children under age 7:

https://classicaleducationbooks.ca/product/advent-picture-book-calendar-25-books/

Christmas book bundle for 8-12 year olds:

https://classicaleducationbooks.ca/product/12-days-of-christmas-bundle/

Show Notes:

You can register at the link below for our Dominion Press Conference: A Call to Build

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-call-to-build-conference-registration-728345169007?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please send questions for the women’s Q&A session to rlkloosterman@gmail.com

1. Bear fruit in keeping with repentance

2. Be women with right priorities

3. Use their minds for God’s glory 

Books referenced on this week’s podcast: 

“Radiant: Fifty Remarkable Women in Church History” by Richard Hannula 

“The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective” by Martha Peace 

Jon Bloom Article - https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lay-aside-the-weight-of-self-pity

Abigail Dodds Article - https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/woe-is-me