Tuesday, December 20, 2011

{ Legacy }





Today has been emotional for us. We've had tearful phone calls and cried in Lowes and cried as we held each other and prayed. Lots of tears and prayers for our dear Grannie Annie who is desperate with longing to go home to be with Jesus and her Rogie. We just heard that she was singing " I come to the garden" in the ER tonight. And she told David's sister Deb when she left her side on Sunday, " Okay honey, goodbye. I'll see you in heaven. " It's so hard to know that she is suffering as she begs to go to heaven. My Annabelle is named after her and I pray often and fervently that Jesus will infuse her with the sort of heart for others, for her family,  for Him, for beauty + joy, that our Grannie has. And with her quiet wisdom, her creative eye, her ability to love unconditionally, and listen well to the hearts of her loved ones, for her funny bone, for the sweet gift of encouragement, for her glass half-full perspective on life. I know of no one who is more admired or adored than our precious Granniebelle's. That's what makes this possible goodbye so hard and especially tender...I count knowing and being loved by her as one of the greatest treasures of my whole life. And we can't and won't stop praying for her, crying for her until we know that she is resting in the arms of her precious Lord. Or for a long time after.
  It will be worth it all, just for one glimpse of His dear face. Precious Grannie, soon you will get to hear that resounding sweet " well done"...for faithfully giving God the glory in the good times and the bad throughout more than ninety years of life and for your truly beautiful legacy. And when you finally get to go to heaven, please kiss Jesus, Grandpa Roger, Papa and our angel babies for us. We will miss you every day and speak of you with laughter and the greatest fondness, as we do our best to follow in your darling footsteps.  


Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ


  And while we are talking about legacy, this sermon spoke to + stuck with me like few others have in the past year. I think a big part of that has to do with the fact that David's brother Mark spontaneously jumped up from his seat to be baptized at the end of the service. We were so thankful and excited to be there to witness his public confession of faith.

 

If your married, I highly encourage you to take the time watch this sermon. If you are not married but hope to be one day, I highly encourage you to take the time to watch it as well. I walked away from it convicted, challenged and changed by Jesus.

Grannie Annie Update: The latest report is that Grannie has a much rosier outlook on life this morning. That is a huge answer to prayer as we dearly want however much time she has left on earth to be spent as comfortably and sweetly as possible.

12 comments:

P!nky said...

Hi Chelle, my name is Mikaela and I've followed your blog for a long time now. I am so sorry to hear about your Grannie's suffering, but she sounds like an amazing and Godly woman. I am sure God and Jesus are waiting to welcome her home.

Prayers and thoughts to you and your family during this sad time.

<3 in Him,
Mikaela

Cottage Mommy said...

Oh Chelle, I'm so sad to hear about Grannie Annie. What a beautiful tribute you have written here for her! I love you lots and will join with you in praying for her and your entire family. Hugs friend.

Nikki said...

This makes me cry...praying for Grannie Annie, and all the loved ones who hold her in their hearts during this time. Love you guys.

Katie said...

Your heart is so beautiful Chelle. <3

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

It sounds to me like you have taken after your dear Grannie very much. I pray her going home will yet be a time of peace for your family as you wait for the day you will most certainly meet again!

shabby girl said...

What a blessing to know someone so good and pure of heart!
Your comment, I count knowing and being loved by her as one of the greatest treasures of my whole life, is so moving and grounding!
We all know that passing is a part of living, but it's still hard to let go.
Saying prayers for your sweet family and sending big hugs. :)

Andrea said...

Praying for you all, praying for peaceful days free from physical pain for Grannie Annie and peaceful hearts for your dear sweet family as you enjoy every moment she has ((hugs!!))

Hannah Spurling said...

Crying as I read this post today!!! Oh how I wish for just one more visit with dear Grannie <3

Love you, and praying for you all today!

Miller Family said...

Chelle, this was so beautifully written. I have never had the blessing of meeting Grannie Annie but have heard so, so much about her that it feels like I have. We are praying for her and the whole family. Love you so much!

Carrie said...

Oh praying for Grannie Annie!!! Especially that the rest of her time here on earth will be pain free and sweet, and that Jesus will bring her Home in Him time! Makes me cry thinking she will be going... so wish I could have gotten to know her better or spent more time around her! She is one of the dearest, most beautiful women on earth!! Love to all of you Chelle!!! ~Carrie Jo~

Leslie said...

oh Chelle.
I hadn't seen this until now.
Saying prayers for Grannie Annie today. A lot.
Love you friend.

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

Chelle - praying for you all, especially dealing wiht the emotions of all of this during the holidays. My Grandma Marjorie went to be with Jesus this past February - and it was oh so bittersweet...