I woke up last night around 1:00 AM and was having a hard ti
me processing all the events of the past seven weeks. We had left our radio on and it was tuned to the XMradio southern gospel station, ENLIGHTEN (don't tell anyone I was listening to southern gospel.) It "just so happened" that the song being aired at that time was an old song, HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE. It really ministered to my heart in a special way.
me processing all the events of the past seven weeks. We had left our radio on and it was tuned to the XMradio southern gospel station, ENLIGHTEN (don't tell anyone I was listening to southern gospel.) It "just so happened" that the song being aired at that time was an old song, HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE. It really ministered to my heart in a special way.
This morning when I was having my quiet time, I was reminded that today is the anniversary of our BeBe's (Jan's Aunt) graduation to heaven several years ago. BeBe loved our kids as if they were her own grandkids. She never had the joy of meeting Lindsay. But using my sanctified imagination, I have a sneaky suspicion that she was standing in line waiting to welcome Lindsay home!Lindsay Bear, Pop-Pop misses you so much!
We read of a place that’s called heaven,
It’s made for the pure and the free;
These truths in God’s Word He hath given,
How beautiful heaven must be.
Refrain:
How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free;
Fair heaven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.
How beautiful heaven must be.
In heaven no drooping nor pining,
No wishing for elsewhere to be;
God’s light is forever there shining,
How beautiful heaven must be.
Pure waters of life there are flowing,
And all who will drink may be free;
Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,
How beautiful heaven must be.
The angels so sweetly are singing,
Up there by the beautiful sea;
Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,
How beautiful heaven must be.
12 comments:
Southern Gospel--oh my is that the music of heaven?? :)
Thanks for sharing the words. conversation often goes to Lindsay in Heaven. I'm sure those baby blues and smile are part of the beauty.
Praying for you all.
Love you all,
Miriam
Southern Gospel!!??
I just read this beautiful poem which I wanted to share.
The Brave Litle Soul
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was perplexed for, on this day, she saw the suffering in the world. She approached God and asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be perplexed, for the suffering you see unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean?" she asked. God replied, "have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued. "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart but, unfortunately, most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity." Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave, let me go!" I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave little soul, I know, and thus I will grant your request. But, even though you are very brave, you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however, they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you." God and the brave soul shared a smile and then embraced. In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through My strength. And, if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at the moment the brave soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased. - by John Alessi
Praying for you Pop Pop...
That's what love does, and she was worth it!
I keep saying that alot lately...HMMM
Dina
When I get sad and starting missing Lindsay, I do the same thing and imagine what she is doing. She is meeting so many people... great grandparents!! I think that she is having the privilege of meeting people whom I have not been able to meet, or remember! Nan, Pop, Mema, Bebe, they are spoiling her and loving on her! That brings a smile to my face! We will miss her but she will remain in our hearts FOREVER!! She is in a better place and is safe with her brand new heart! That gives me peace in my heart!
Love you Linds,
Aunt Julie
Dear Laura and Jon,
I just looked at Lindsay's slideshow.
what a precious Child...Lindsay will always have a special place in your heat...a place no one else can fill...not even another child. Lindsay is now with our Lord with a new heart..waiting to be reunited with her Mommy and Dad. What a day that will be!
I'll be praying for you as you adjust to life without Lindsay..for
the Lord to uphold you with His everlasting arms and help you to rest i n the hollow of His hand. Wish I could help you during this time of adjustment...other than praying.
Love from one who understands, MER
P.S. Tanner, this blog is meant for you also. And thanks to Aaron for Lindsay's slideshow
I have been thinking of all of you today. I also have been thinking of how much fun Nan and BeBe, MeMa and Pop Pop are having with Lindsay. They must be so thrilled to have her with them.
Love you all,
Aunt Jeanne
Hi Lindsay,
My name is Bahar. I'm a friend of Rhonda (your mom's friend). You and I have never met in this world but it feels like I've known you before.
I had the honor of praying for you (per Rhonda's invitation) and that's how I first learned about you.
Although you were physically here for a short time you have touched a lot of lives, including mine, with your story.
With your life here, you were able to unite so many people from all walks of life into one community for one purpose.
With your heart, you were able to show the capacity of our hearts to act compassionately despite of our differences in religion, cultures and upbringing.
Below, I've copied and pasted a poem for you called "Of Being woven" by Rumi who is one of the most influential Persian poets of the 13th century.
In December of 1273 when Rumi died, representatives of every major religion came to his funeral.
In the midst of the crusades and violent sectarian conflict he had said.
“I go into the Muslim mosque and the Jewish synagogue and the Christian church and I see one altar.”
And he made it clear in other places that someone who considers religion or nation an important human category is in danger of severing the heart from its ability to act compassionately.
This is a radical idea now, but Rumi held the conviction in the thirteenth century with such deep gentleness that its truth was recognized.
Of Being woven
"The way is full of genuine sacrifice. The thickets blocking your path are anything that keeps you from that, any fear that you may be broken into bits like a glass bottle.
This road demands courage and stamina, yet it's full of
footprints!
Who are these companions?
They are rungs in your ladder. Use them! With company you quicken your ascent.
You may be happy enough going along, but with others
you'll get farther, and faster.
Someone who goes cheerfully by himself to the customs
house to pay his traveler's tax will go even more
lightheartedly when friends are with him.
Every prophet sought out companions.
A wall standing alone is useless, but put three or four walls
together, and they'll support a roof and keep grain dry
and safe.
When ink joins with a pen, then the blank paper can say
something.
Rushes and reeds must be woven to be useful as a mat. If
they weren't interlaced; the wind would blow them away.
Like that, God paired up creatures, and gave them
friendship."
The source of the comments and the poem above is:
http://www.poetseers.org/spiritual_and_devotional_poets/contemp/rumibarks/6
God bless you, your brother and your parents.
Bahar
Jon,Laura,Tanner,Groens,Weltes,
You all have been on my mind and in my prayers throughout this whole ordeal, and this week as well. I pray that God will shelter you under his wing and you will find rest for your souls.
What a beautiful funeral service! Such a wonderful tribute to Lindsay, and testimony of God's faithfulness.Laura, I was absolutely amazed that you were able to get up and speak! Evidence of God's grace. I love what Warren said in church a few weeks ago. He said something like; God gives us the amount of grace that we need for each day, hour, minute. Sometimes, we need just a little bit, and at other times, we need "bucket fulls." Here's wishing you bucket fulls of God's grace and love.
Mary Conway
The slide show was breath taking. Aaron did a awesome job. The lyrics were perfect and represented Lindsay and our Savior. Praying daily for Tanner. May God heal the hurt, but help you to keep the memories with a smile.
The Mumma's
P.S.Just watched the slide show for the second time with Noah (7), he really was touched and loved to see pictures of the little girl we've prayed for. Thanks for letting us share in this.
Hello Jon & Laura,
I wanted to let you know that Jesus and Lindsay are still at work...
The other day Hannah and I went through McDonalds drive through (I'm addicted to their sweet tea) the young woman at the
1st window asked me what my PINK bracelet meant. I explaned to her that It was a reminder for me and many others to pray for Lindsay...I then explaned that she had fought a good fight and has now passed. the woman seemed sad and explaned that she just recently lost a niece to a heart desiese, she wasn't quite 1 year old yet. She then continued and shared with me that she too had lost a little girl. Her little girl never took a breath she passed during delivery...The young woman looked at me with glassed over eyes and explaned that she now has two very healthy children and is thankful for their health. I swung out on a limb and told her not to worry, and though she misses her baby..."feel comfort in knowing that she along with Lindsay was now in Heaven being held by the loveing arms of Jesus. She could only look at me as I slowly drove forward.
I couldn't believe that I had a conversation in the drive through of McDonalds, though it was only a few minutes I have hope that this young woman will remember "Lindsay's" words forever...
I will forever charish, that I was able to share His word. Thank you God for handing this to me.
Lindsay will forever be a part of my memories...
With all of my love,
Carrie xoxoxox
Dear Jon, Laura and Tanner,
I think about you guys everyday...I check the blog everyday to look at Lindsay's big blue eyes...
I want you to know that my mom has had the opportunity to witness to 4 women at her workplace through Lindsay " bears" testimony..She was watching the slideshow and women were walking by...they all stopped to watch...My mom had been sharing with them..how I knew your family...and the story of little Lindsay...2 of the women have been asking my mom questions ever since then..and are very eager to learn more about "this love" of Christ...
My mom cries everytime I talk to her..for she is very saddened by the passing of this precious girl, but knows the Lord is being glorified~
I pray for your family daily...and I want you to know that I will be thinking about you guys forever...Your little girl has touched my life and will continue too forever..May the Lord continue to comfort your hearts...
Love,
Rebekah ( Davis ) Nichols
Bill,
I was saddend to hear of Lauras and your lost of little Lindsay. Joy and I deeply send condolences to you and your family.
David & Julie Austin called last week and told us what happened. Blessings to you and your family during this time of saddness and celebration, for we all know where she is right now. She is with the Father, running and dancing and smiling and free from her struggles with her health she had here on earth and she has a heavenly body now! PTL!
She had your smile from the picture that I saw on-line! Wow! Anyway I do not have anyway of contacting you othere than this forum so call me or write or email as soon as you can, we would love to hear from my always friends forever!
Chris & Joy Allen
PO BOX 4532
Cleveland, TN 37320-4532
chris@judyjacobs.com
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