I sure hope they know ~
Are there people in your lives who have passed away that you sure hope they know the incredible impact they have made on your life? That would be my grandparents. If I had a way of sending a letter to Heaven, it would go something like this ~
Grandma and Grandpa:
It's been almost 13 years since you went to be with Jesus and so much has happened in that time. But, one of the coolest things ever has been the transformation in our family.
Remember in '99 when DJ graduated and you two suggested we invite his mom to his graduation party? I'm pretty sure I laughed at that and was like, "That'll never happen!"
Emotions were pretty hot and any kind of reconciliation seemed impossible. Yet, you two faithful prayer warriors and encouragers continued to fan the flames of peace and love. "For the kids' sake" you guys would say.
Well, here we are, years later, in a texting group with Farmer Dan, Debbie, myself, seven kiddos, and spouses sharing life together. At times, notifications are rampant and that's when I smile the most and think of you guys! I can't even hardly go back to where we were 30+ years ago and remember the ugly because this is such a sweet beautiful. Perfect - no! Godly miracle - YES!
I hope you both know how your Godly influence and prayers has changed our "little" family of 25 and counting. You created such a safe place for our whole crew with your unconditional love and positive, encouraging spirits.
You both would have loved a couple summer's ago Darren's boys were showing at the state fair and while the rest of us weren't able to be in person watching, we were "watching" via livestream, blowing up the family text cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. I can see you both sitting on the bleachers in the middle of the bottom row, Grandpa analyzing the hogs and Grandma being the secretary keeping track of the placings. When the boys would finish, I can so plainly here these words of praise, "Good job, Little Buddy."
Oh, how I ache for you both! As I write this, the tears are flowing. My prayer is that I will honor the Jesus legacy you have left with our family by creating the same safe environment in our home filled with unconditional love and a positive, encouraging atmosphere. May I NEVER stop praying for this crew God has given me, just like you two never stopped praying for us!
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
Romans 12:9-13 was your motto. You both lived it out well!
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to grandma and grandpa. Their faith was simple and quiet yet fierce and strong; that, was the manner in which they shared their faith and their love for God. In my BSF Bible study of the book of John this year, we many times marveled at how Jesus was so humble and kind yet our all powerful sovereign God. Grandma and grandpa knew what it was to be Christlike.
They truly modeled Jesus to us!
Oh What a beautiful message. I loved them so dearly and the family they raised. Bless each one of you for continuing their legacy and their Godly influence on my life and so many others. Love you dearly!
They loved you, Kathy, as do I!!
Evelyn was my Sunday School teacher for third and fourth grade. She encouraged us to memorize the Lord’s Prayer. I think all of us memorized it. We sure learned a lot and had a lot of fun down in that furnace room.
Thanks so much for sharing what she meant to you!