Friday, February 13, 2009

Love Amazing, Love Divine

Has it really been almost two weeks since my last post?

I have so many items to post right now, that the thought of breaking it down into chunks is overwhelming. So, in honor of Valentines Day, I thought it may be nice to post some of the love we have been feeling here lately.

We celebrated Rob's birthday. We went to a local restaurant and then went back to Grammy and Pop Pop's house for dessert. It was a perfect way for Rob to begin a new year. We love Daddy!


We had the honor of going into Emily's classroom to celebrate Chinese New Year. Even one of Emily's dearest friends was permitted to leave her classroom and come in to join us. We read a story, answered questions, colored dragon fans and ate Moon Cookies. The kids really enjoyed it and Emily was so happy to talk to her classmates about why China is special for our family. We spoke of how we all see the same moon and serve the same God. No love finer than that!

"...as far as east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12


Unfortunately, we also attended a funeral. Perhaps one of the largest and most ceremonial funerals our county has ever seen, it was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived. We waited in line a very long time the evening of the viewing. We had arrived early to see Chris brought in on a horse drawn carriage. The streets were crowded and many, many people were there to support the family of this fallen officer. Two of Chris' brother in laws offered that we might move up toward the front to see their family. We opted to stay right where we were. That room was filled with compassion and love. We heard stories of amazing things he had done as a police officer. We heard people speak about his devotion to his wife and children. We shared some of our own fondest memories of Chris' wife and her family growing up. And even more beautiful than all of that, we met people in that line who had never met Chris Jones. They felt a kindred spirit to his vocation or just community outpouring, whatever inspired them to attend and stand in line two, three hours at a time, it was lovely. We were blessed by that experience.

Rest in Peace, Chris. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Last weekend, we had the distinct pleasure and priviledge to celebrate our friend, Jim. His wife Sharon, a sister in the Lord and and a sister in my life, blessed her husband with a surprise. She hosted a fete to celebrate Jim's 45th birthday and his impending trip to Israel. It was divine in every way that they are divine.

When Sharon and I began a friendship last year, I would have never imagined how the Lord would weave His plan into the fabric of our lives. Our daughters are friends, which is precious, but our families are family which is a treasure. Jim has long dreamed of taking a trip to the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked. Jim and Sharon live their entire life in obedience and accordance to God's will. Whether it is lifting loved ones in prayer, opening their home for fellowship, or finding friends in the company of complete strangers, this family is carrying the word of our Lord everywhere they go.

The service staff at the party made comment of how much love was in that room and I concur. Jim is a special, special man. As iron sharpens iron, Jim takes this verse seriously and is a true brother to his friends. He cares. Sharon cares. Their children care. Hearing their lifelong friends speak so eloquently about Jim and his family and the ways they have touched lives was moving on every level. Friends like this are a gift from God. How blessed we are to have been in their company to have had the joy of being part of those moments. We look forward to a lifetime of loving one another. (Feel welcome to visit Sharon's blog to see all the special touches she prayerfully added to make this occasion unique and special)


"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17












21 comments:

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Dear Heather~Good to see you back since I've been sort of back and haven't "seen" you.

Your--always poignant--post reminds me that our lives consist of so many types of emotions and activities. Thank you for sharing the highs and the lows in such a beautiful way.

I love you~
Lis

Sharon Sloan said...

His love is amazing and divine! Another beautiful, heart-warming post from you! Always look forward to your posts! :)

Your family is a gift to us from God, too. We also look forward to a life-long friendship reflecting His unconditional love, grace and faithfulness. By His strength.

We love you!

Sheri said...

Wow, what a busy and emotional couple of weeks you've had. God has blessed your family with so many wonderful friends and family members. Hope you have a great weekend.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Sounds like you have been busy....some things joyous and some things very sad and emotional but the way you write about them, they are always beautiful!

Thanks for all of your well wishes....Looks like Sarah is turning the corner....she actually wanted to play with her baby dolls this afternoon, and managed to eat a little something tonight at dinner...so far, so good!! Now Pat and I just need to kick this and we will all be good as new:)

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Lisa

Jennifer said...

What a sad time in our community. I didn't know Officer Chris Jones personally but I know friends of his family. My thoughts and prayers have been with his family.

Jen

Missy said...

I love the way you so eloquently put into words the ups and downs that life brings. You are a faithful friend to many! Love you sweet girl and hope that you have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Also, thank you so much for your precious prayers for Paige. I want you to use the space on your sidebar for who is need now. I think God heard our prayers, so let's let him hear some more. Your heart is huge and I love ya for it!

Jboo said...

Sounds like you have been very busy. What a sweet and thoughtful post -- so touching!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Janet

Kristy said...

Yes Heather it has been that long..... missed you. My heart and prayers go out to Chris and his family. May God bless them and may they look to him for their comfort and healing.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL OF YOU!
Love and blessings, Kristy

John's Arts & Crafts said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
The Byrd's Nest said...

I have missed you! This is such a beautiful post...I hardly know where to begin. Emily always blesses me with her sweet heart...I just love her!

Sorry about your friend...I think I remember you posting something on FB...maybe I never asked you and should have. He sounds like he lived a wonderful Christian life. I am also sure he heard those words straight from the Lord's mouth. Sometimes I can hardly imagine what it will be like to meet Jesus face to face!

prechrswife said...

What a sweet post!

Football and Fried Rice said...

Wow, girl - you have been busy! I am glad to see you back :) Thank you for the fresh reminder that Our God is so big & so great!! He endures forever :)

Michelle R Photography said...

Hi Heather,
Your posts are always so beautiful and so descriptive, I feel as if I have been there with you.

I hope you have had a wonderful
Valentine's Day! I think this is a perfect holiday for you - you have such a loving, giving heart.

Love,
Michelle

mommy24treasures said...

Emily is such a special girl, I love hearing you speak of how proud she was to share about China... I am sure the funeral was such an emotional time.
I pray his family has the peace of God surrounding them during this painful period. I pray His mercies are new every morning for them.
Always love to read your beautiful posts. Happy Valentine's Day
Love
C

Shelly and Family said...

OK Heather...now I can se why it has been so long since your last post...you guys were very busy but from the looks of things...most of it were good times. Hope all is well with you & your family an thank you for the post (I was getting a little bit worried...)

3 Peanuts said...

You have a lot going one---sounds like some joyful and some sorrow. I have missed your posts.

Hugs,
Kim

Unknown said...

Beautiful post Heather! Joining you in prayer for the loss of your friend.

Did you get in touch with Baby Be Blessed to order the doll you won on my give-away? I couldn't find a post about it.

Happy Belated Birtday Rob!
Sending you hugs and love! Happy Homecoming Anniversary for Hannah! She is truly a beautiful little girl! Her eyes just sparkle!

Jill

Gwen Oatsvall said...

what a beautiful post Heather ... So many emotions ... Celebrating w/ hubby and kids for holidays, mourning a dear friend, and honoring a man ... Oh, how God allows us so many emotions to possibly get a glimpse of Him in many different ways ...

Thanks for praying for Maggie .. Your are a treasured sister !!!

Rachel said...

Another great post Heather! I always enjoy reading your blog. You've had some ups and downs recently, but are so inspiring through it all. Blessings to you and your family!

Rachel

MacMui Mom said...

So glad your Chinese new year celebration in school went well as ours did. I thought about you lots when they were talking about Chris on the news. We pray his family is okay. It is such a sad thing.

Love, love as we say in our house.

Lisa R

Sunnymama said...

Please do, I love your prayer requests on the side. I prayed for some of them this morning! Thank you!

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