Sunday Thoughts

This morning Emma and I had the privilege of sharing at a church in a nearby town.  
Emma shared about how God called her to Africa as a little girl and I spoke about
 God’s love for the orphan and the poor.  
This body of believers were just so sweet and there was no doubt that God has a huge missional calling on this body.  One of the pastors and his wife are going with the GO Team in just a few weeks – so amazing!   The worship was wonderful and Elijah has been singing one of the worship songs these last few minutes as I load the pictures and begin the post.  It’s a worship song we didn’t even know – but that little guy of mine is singing loudly {and accurately} the words.  
Yesterday Dw began the journey to his home town.  His mom is not doing well and we prayed he would be able to see her before she goes to be with Jesus.  Kind of weird that last week I told the “Gertrude” story and within a day or so she had taken a turn for the worst.  
I love my mother-in-love and I have been crying a lot this week.  The memories of “home” for me are all wrapped up in my time at Dw’s home place.  His parents always welcomed me and for a girl in a painful home situation their love and acceptance of me was water on my very parched soul.
Dw’s dad went to be with the Lord three years ago.  His mom has been in a nursing home for 18 months.  So the times in the home place will never be again, no doubt.  But somehow, I think in the back of my mind I wanted to believe that we could celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas or a birthday or something there, just one more time. {Am I the only one who longs for the old days every now and then?}
  Death is so odd, isn’t it?  The very thought of my mom-in-love passing away makes me want to sob “NO!!” I think because I know that it will signal the finality of the long beautiful season of life on Grove Street.   She’s 96.  She’s lived a long, sweet life.  And yet, to have her pass away sounds like such a painful thing.  
In my head I am already writing a post to honor her.  I wish that 35 years ago I had known what I know now.  Life is such a learning process, at least for me it is.
Anyway, with Daddy in New York now, after church we packed a picnic and went to our favorite park. The park near the rental we lived in after the fire.
Check out the smiles…the kids had a blast.
And the Colorado weather was gorgeous!

 Josh, Emmy, Savannah and Graham

Nelly and Charlee Louise thought a picnic sounded good and 
they got some good exercise as well.

I love close-ups of my kids faces.  

Graham and I had a contest to see which one of us could hold ourselves up sideways longer.
j/k
In my youthfulness there was NOT one second where I could have done that.
He makes it look so easy too!
And if Grandma Gert passes away in the next couple of days, the kids and I will drive to NY for the funeral.   I’ve already partially packed all the things we would need to take.   Thankful that last year I took the trek alone with the 8 kids and two dogs {We can do this!}.  And entirely grateful that that trip allowed Jubilee the opportunity to meet her grandma…..
I pray your Sunday was beautiful and full of precious memories….

10 thoughts on “Sunday Thoughts

  1. Loss is such a hard part of life. Praying for peace for you and your family through this time. We just had to say goodbye to our little GodDaughter, it was the hardest day of my life. But, a lovely woman I have never met put her arms around me and said simply that "Jesus knows best". Even though I don't always understand it, I have to remind myself that, yes, He does.

    Brooke Annessa
    http://www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com

  2. Awe sweet friend, praying for you that through this, God would bring you comfort and peace. Brooke said it all "Jesus knows best". The pictures are precious as always…the kids look like they had a blast. Hugs and love

  3. Praying for a sweet and gentle time for your dear mother-in-law. And praying for a safe trip for DW and peace for him and you all as well. Even though we know this life is a prelude for Heaven, which is the real deal, it is still very hard to say "good-bye" to those we love here on earth. I still miss my dad so much it hurts, but I do know he wouldn't want to come back now that he is in Heaven – it's just us back here on earth missing him.

    Love to you all,
    janet and gang

  4. As comforting as it is to know that our loved one has lived a long life and will be with Jesus, it doesn't make it hurt any less to say goodbye. Praying for you and your whole family….
    I'm glad you had a fun day with the kids!

  5. Beautiful pictures! 🙂

    I'm sorry for the sad time with Dw's mother, may you all have a sweet time with her and peace and comfort from our Lord through this time.

  6. Praying for you and your sweet family! Even though we know in our head that death is part of the journey, it isn't easy when it comes. So thankful for the hope we have in Heaven! Praying peace and traveling mercies when the time comes!
    You are definitely not alone in wishing for the good old days! I distinctly remember sitting around my grandmother's kitchen table eating sandwiches with the family. She has been in Heaven now almost 11 years, but I can still see that picture in my mind as if it were yesterday! I would love to do that just one more time! Hugs to you and your sweet family!

  7. Praying for peace for all of you. This post brings tears to my eyes. We just lost my grandmother. She was 92. Her funeral was a mix of tears and laughter. Lots of fun memories and stories were shared. Its funny that you should mention the fact that you are already grieving the time at her house and the holidays with her. That has been the hardest for me. I said something about "the next time" we are in Kentucky, to my aunt and she said she probably wouldn't be back…Whew, what a kick in the gut. She lives far away and she isn't getting younger either. The Holy Spirit gently reminded me later that its all a part of the circle. We are the memory makers now and our kids and grandkids will have wonderful memories too. They will just be different.

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