Journals Sent From Above

The day before I took off for Tennessee to take care of mom, I was hunting for something special.

A journal.

Just a little place to bear my soul and heart through the weeks of anguish and joy I knew would be coming my way.

I desired to find one for my beautiful sister, who lives near mom, and who I knew would be spending every waking moment with her too.

I was looking for just the "right" one.

I entered the store, which is just a home decor store with all kinds of odds and ends. You can find all those unique treasures that you would never find elsewhere.

My eyes scanned the shelves. There were all colors: red, blue, green, etc. The styles ranged from spiral bound to leather. I looked and looked.

My eyes finally landed on two different ones but from the same manufacturer. I pulled them both off the shelf...the only two left. One was black; the other turquoise.

One had an "S"; the other a "J". The initials from both of our names.

Just a small gift from God to start a very long valley in my life.

As I was caring for mom, I took time each day to record my thoughts, prayers, Scripture and whatever else was on my mind. Many tears splashed those pages. One page screams pain; the next joy and comfort.

There are notes that were taken the day mom expressed her desires for her memorial. Just a few pages later are my notes to speak at her memorial. I so badly wished that there were more pages between the two, but this is only a selfish wish.

God used this little gift to strengthen my faith; He cares even about the small things...like journals.

Mom's Memorial Songs

These were the songs played at Mom's memorial 2 weeks ago.

A tribute to mom

Today is the day of Mom's memorial service. This is intended to celebrate her and the life the Lord gave her. Words cannot express what is in my heart. This is my attempt.

Loving, caring, energetic, focused, determined, selfless, overcoming, lover of God and man, lover of God's Word, passionate about the Gospel, organized, organized, organized, loyal, truthful, merciful, joyful, hardworking, beautiful, giving and I can't forget organized, or did I already mention that?

These are the attributes of a very special woman. This woman is my mom.

Mom loved life, but most of all loved the Lord. She had a passion to share Christ with other, even up to the very night Christ took her home. Though she really struggled to breath in the end and had alot of medicaiton in her, she was still determined to let anyone know who called or came by that they, too, would die one day and could be assured that they could also go to heaven if they had a relationship with her Savior.

Her Savior is my Savior. Jesus has taken Mom home to be with Him. She is free from pain and rejoicing with her Lord. This is what brings me comfort. You can be sure that I miss Mom very much. My children miss their Gran, too.

I have so many wonderful memories. Mom loved her children and grandchildren to the fullest. I am who I am mostly because the Lord provided me with a Mother (and Father) who exemplified what every mother should be.

From weekly visits to nursing homes to summer 5 Day Good News Clubs in our neighborhood, my childhood was provided with so many things that helped to frame who I have become. The most significant being the salvation of my dear mother. Without Christ intervening in Mom's life, she wouldn't have been the Mom she was, and I wouldn't be the mom that I am. I miss my dear Mother, but I know I will see her again. I know she has been given a perfect healing. I have cried many tears, but my gracious God has given me the peace that passes all understanding.

I was able to spend the last 2 1/2 weeks of Mom's life with her, helping to take care of her. As we talked about her memorial service, she was firm about one thing. Mom wanted all of you to know how you, too, can have a relationship with Christ. This was the most important thing to her and it should be to you, too.

Cry out to your Creator. He will hear and save.

~ spoken at Mom's memorial