"Footprints in the Sand"
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One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My son, My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
by Mary Stevenson
As he’d step off the front porch in the morning with the sun’s reflection, he’d shout out “Hello World. What have you got for me today?” Those were the words of Frank Phillips. He had a passion for sharing his philosophy of life with others. It was all about appreciating the wonders of our Lord, the beauty of our earth and everyone living in it.
The morning following Easter Sunday, Frank John Phillips left his earthly life to live an eternal life with our Heavenly Father and his beloved parents, Frank and Lucille Phillips. He was 67 years old when he passed away at Ashford Gardens Long Term Care Facility in Houston, Texas. Frank Phillips was survived by his four daughters: Lisa Bouyear, Theresa Boucher, Sylvia Hinkley, Cristina Phillips, his sister Joan Powers, his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Frank J. Phillips was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania on August 12, 1938 to his parents Frank and Lucille Phillips. He was loved and adored by all who knew him. He filled many roles such as son, brother, father, husband, uncle and cousin. In each role, he influenced the lives of others and encouraged greatness.
His time on earth wasn’t spent on fame and fortune but rather on challenging the impossible. In many cases, he accomplished goals many thought to be unachievable. He constantly was “thinking out of the box” and came up with creative solutions. He was an entrepreneur at heart. He attempted numerous business ventures and wore many hats but kept on finding his way to the mechanics industry. He loved creating “something” out of "nothing”.
Frank Phillips was a born leader. He had a way about rallying the support of others. One of his favorite books was Illusions by Richard Bach. The quote that stood out the most for him was this: “Don’t turn away from possible futures before you’re certain you don’t have anything to learn from them. There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you nee their gifts”. Frank always had a way about interpreting the challenges faced by others and turning them into blessings. He was not one to dwell on sadness, but rather rejoice life.
Frank spent his life exploring the unknown. Some of his adventures included snorkeling exploring coral reefs, camping in the wilderness and hunting with his father in swampland. He also loved going for long rides in his faithful truck. Every activity had meaning. His imagination accompanied him wherever he went. Frank faced times of trial head on. It was then when there was only one set of footprints in his life. His last moments of life were spent with our Lord comforting him. He’d listen to angelic songs the choir sang to him, surrounding him with love and peace. “Our mind thinks of death. Our heart thinks of life. Our soul thinks of Immortality”. “Seashells remind us that every passing life leaves something beautiful behind”.
The beautiful memories of Frank J. Phillips will live in the hearts of all who knew him.
His life on earth will not be in vain. His philosophy of life will strengthen those apart
of his life on earth and always live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
