From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16



Wednesday, March 2, 2011

"When he had said this, he breathed his last."

 Luke 23:44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

At 11:35 this morning, our dear, sweet Dad went home to be with the Savior who laid down His life for him.  It was a very peaceful moment, as Mom, Melissa, Lura, Aunt Nancy, Uncle Bobby, Doug and I sat around him singing Be Thou My Vision while Melissa played her violin.  We know full well that because Jesus breathed his last on our behalf, we can be with Him for eternity.  This seperation from Dad is painful...he took a piece of each of our hearts with him, but it is not permanent.  We have a promised eternity together, worshipping at the throne of the Creator of the Universe. 


Our hearts are broken, our bodies are tired, our eyes are dry from crying.  This is a bittersweet time for us as we rejoice in knowing that Dad is with Jesus and yet mourn his departure from this world. 

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
naught be all else to me, save that thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word,
I ever with thee and thou with me Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my battle shield, sword for the fight;
Be thou my dignity, thou my delight;
Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower:
Raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise:
Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Thou and thou only first in my heart;
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O Bright Heaven's sun!;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

I will update again once arrangements have been made.  In the meantime, please continue to pray for our family as you have faithfully been.  We would have not been able to walk this road with the peace we've had without our dear brothers and sisters interceeding on our behalf.

9 comments:

  1. I smile for Dad but my heart aches for all of you. You all have represented our King well through this trial, I'm proud of my extended Christian family. Now may the Peace of our Almighty God rest in all of your hearts and souls and may His love be shown to you through His church Body as we mourn by your side but delight that Dick has reached Paradise.

    Luke 23:43
    Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

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  2. I must have just posted on your other blog when I just saw this. Hugs my dear. It sucks.

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  3. When I saw "bittersweet," I knew what was coming. I rejoice that you were with him when he said goodbye...that you ushered him into the arms of Christ with that BEAUTIFUL song. I am SO sad for you all. Once again, I'm flying the next 3 days. If there's anything I can do for you starting on Sunday, please let me know. I love you, sister!
    Laura

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  4. What a sorrow, what a blessing. My heart hurts for you and rejoices for your dad. He has all of the joy now that you could have wished for him. And now you must learn to live with missing him. What a good word, "bittersweet".

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  5. oh andrea, i am so glad that you know for certain you will see your dad again. what comfort that brings. i am also so so sad for you all knowing how much you will miss him until that day. what a blessing he was in the comfort of his own home surrounded by so much love. that had to have brought him so much peace. prayers for all of you as you continue on.

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  6. My tears are for you, Andrea; the peace in my heart is for him, knowing that he is up in Heaven praising God...continuing to hold all of you up in prayer!! <3

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  7. Our hearts are breaking with you but there is nothing more reassuring knowing he is at peace in such a perfect place where we will be with him some day. I know the heavens rejoiced when His name was called but I know how broken you feel here, left behind. Please know you are being lifted up with many warriors behind you! Please call if there is anything we can do! We love you!

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  8. Dear one, I am sharing your sorrow as well as your authentic hope. "To die is gain!"

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  9. May Christ's love bring you peace!
    My heart is with you all and your families.
    The world lost a wonderful man but Heaven gained one.

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