Showing posts with label Contributions from others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contributions from others. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dear Wayne & Kasia ; It is a few days early, 22 Oct 2010, However, another year has gone by, now on the 28th, it is 3 years since Christy passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour. Yes, I still miss her very much, however, I would not wish to deny her of the truth of the verse on her gravestone "In thy presence is fulness of joy". You speak recently of "a hard visit to the cemetary", and I can fully understand, as I Have experienced the same. The picture you posted of Christy in the hospice brought back memories. Recently, I viewed some old family videos, Jeff's 4th, Stephen's 6th, the S/S Picnic, 1987, showing among others, Christy, Pearl, Bill Johnson, now all 3 are W.T.L., these brought both joy and sorrow. May the Lord continue to bless you both, practically and spiritually. Another year, and another "little one ", ANNA, has been added to the "Family", "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away", Job 1 - 21. My prayer is that both Chris & Jesse be added to our "Christian Family". Keep looking up, from whence cometh our Saviour. Much Love, DAD
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A note to Wayne
To my son Wayne,
It has now been two years since Christy passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is amazing how quickly time passes. However, there is hardly a day that goes by that I do not think of and remember dear Christy. Under her circumstances and suffering I would not wish her back. She is now with her Lord which is far better. I greatly miss her bright smile, her cheerful salutation of "Grampa!!", and her devotion to her sons and grandchildren, who in turn loved her immensely. I remember especially during Pearl's long and difficult trial, Christy bestowed love, care, understanding, help, and encouragement to us both.
Now much has happened since 2007. The Lord has lovingly given you a new love - Kasia, a newborn child of God. "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." It is wonderful to see how the grandchildren have accepted and loved their new "Gramma". She also has won my approval! May you both be greatly blessed and be a godly testimony to Kasia's family members and to those at Priority. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh - perhaps today!
With love,
Dad (Walter)
It has now been two years since Christy passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is amazing how quickly time passes. However, there is hardly a day that goes by that I do not think of and remember dear Christy. Under her circumstances and suffering I would not wish her back. She is now with her Lord which is far better. I greatly miss her bright smile, her cheerful salutation of "Grampa!!", and her devotion to her sons and grandchildren, who in turn loved her immensely. I remember especially during Pearl's long and difficult trial, Christy bestowed love, care, understanding, help, and encouragement to us both.
Now much has happened since 2007. The Lord has lovingly given you a new love - Kasia, a newborn child of God. "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." It is wonderful to see how the grandchildren have accepted and loved their new "Gramma". She also has won my approval! May you both be greatly blessed and be a godly testimony to Kasia's family members and to those at Priority. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh - perhaps today!
With love,
Dad (Walter)
Monday, November 12, 2007
In memory of a very kind and lovely Lady
Hi, My only encounter with Christy was a brief visit to Vancouver in September 2003 whilst searching for Technician positions in the Vancouver Area. Wayne had more than kindly offered me a room at his house in the basement for the duration of my stay in Vancouver. Priority had recently relocated to their new offices and Wayne and Christy were in the process of wrapping up their house prior to moving on. I always remember my first meeting Christy when I arrived, I wondered how these nice people would invite a complete and utter stranger into their house. They welcomed me with open arms and a very friendly smile. They gave me a key and invited me to come and go as I liked. So later in the day I sloped off to find something for dinner, on return I found that they had prepared a place at their table for me. I don't remember if I ate with them that night but I did enjoy their after dinner treat. They had a slab of very good chocolate which they liked to chip small chunks off.I must admit that over the few days I spent with Wayne and Christy I was made to feel very at ease and we spent long hours talking into the new day to come. Christy was a very good and kind Lady, the family she has left behind are most certainly a tribute to both her and Wayne's influence in both spirit and manner. I am sure that she touched many peoples lives and continues still to do so in all our memories.
My heart felt sympathy and love goes to all her nearest and dearest
Kindest regards
Kevin Capper
London UK
My heart felt sympathy and love goes to all her nearest and dearest
Kindest regards
Kevin Capper
London UK
Monday, November 5, 2007
From the BC 8's
November 05, 2007
I met Wayne only a short time ago when he was on the hunt for a car, perhaps an inanimate object to take his mind off of the tragedy in his life, even for a moment or two. We talked frequently on the phone and about Christy's illness.
I never got the opportunity to meet Christy but I could tell that she was always there in Wayne's mind and thoughts. Our meetings were brief as he needed to be with her as much as possible to make her final days here as comfortable as possible.
Celebrate her life with you Wayne, and do not dwell on what you do not have the power to change. Be strong for your sons and their families. She is no longer suffering and has gone to a better place.
Fly with the eagles Christy....
Tom Carter, on behalf of the BC 8's www.wuffer.net
I met Wayne only a short time ago when he was on the hunt for a car, perhaps an inanimate object to take his mind off of the tragedy in his life, even for a moment or two. We talked frequently on the phone and about Christy's illness.
I never got the opportunity to meet Christy but I could tell that she was always there in Wayne's mind and thoughts. Our meetings were brief as he needed to be with her as much as possible to make her final days here as comfortable as possible.
Celebrate her life with you Wayne, and do not dwell on what you do not have the power to change. Be strong for your sons and their families. She is no longer suffering and has gone to a better place.
Fly with the eagles Christy....
Tom Carter, on behalf of the BC 8's www.wuffer.net
Saturday, November 3, 2007
From a neighbour back on Heather street
Dear Wayne and family,
Like most men, I find it hard to say or write anything of substance when it comes to expressing feelings about the loss of a friend or loved one. Society seems to frown upon men showing any sign of "weakness", as it were. But after sitting and listening to you at the service and seeing the outpouring of love from you and the reciprocation from all that attended, I feel better equipped to express how I feel about you, your family and Christy.
We met probably ten years ago Wayne; two skinny, middle aged cyclists riding down the road, eyeing each other like dogs circling each other on a street corner, each looking for a sign of weakness in the other. After a suitable test of each others strengths we became casual, but good friends, especially when we discovered we lived not two blocks from one another. About the same time we met, I had been noticing a very lovely woman walking our neighbourhood streets on a daily basis; always with a long flowing dress and a kerchief on her head, walking square shouldered with a grace and lightness of step I had seldom seen before. She was quick with a smile and unafraid to make eye contact with me, a total stranger on the street. I had no idea who she was and was pleasantly surprised to discover she was your wife after one of our rides one day. Our rides morphed into walks with our dogs, Chloe and Mitsy, and exchanges of knowledge and labour (you were always there to help with any and all of my technical problems; I, not so much for you). I was so amazed at how insightful Christy was. She could read the pain on my face as I went through a bad patch with my then teen-aged daughter and offered advice and support which helped me through that period. That was her mission in life and she fulfilled it well. Her smile and countenance were enough to disarm the entire military of any war-mongering nation. It is such a shame we could not have broadcast the serenity of her soul to the whole world and perhaps brought about ever lasting peace. She touched all that met her and left an everlasting impression on people, something that very few in this world are capable of doing.
We lost touch when you moved from our neighbourhood in 2004, partly because we were both so absorbed in our businesses and partly because we were separated by a greater physical distance. When I frist heard the Christy had been diagnosed with cancer, I felt that no mortal disease could ever conquer that woman. She had the strength to overcome anything. And even when I received the news from sources over the past few months, advising me she was slipping nearer to death, I could not help but think that this was impossible. Christy would pull through because she was the miracle woman! No need to worry. Alas, when I received your e-mail last Monday, I freely admit I wept in my office, as I am sure many others did. You were so very lucky to have spent many years next to her Wayne, for she was an angel.
I am pleased you created this blog as it has given many, like myself, the opportunity to express our love for you in a way that is at once contemplative and comfortable. Not all of us can make our feelings known face to face.
with best wishes,
your friend,
Al Clark
Like most men, I find it hard to say or write anything of substance when it comes to expressing feelings about the loss of a friend or loved one. Society seems to frown upon men showing any sign of "weakness", as it were. But after sitting and listening to you at the service and seeing the outpouring of love from you and the reciprocation from all that attended, I feel better equipped to express how I feel about you, your family and Christy.
We met probably ten years ago Wayne; two skinny, middle aged cyclists riding down the road, eyeing each other like dogs circling each other on a street corner, each looking for a sign of weakness in the other. After a suitable test of each others strengths we became casual, but good friends, especially when we discovered we lived not two blocks from one another. About the same time we met, I had been noticing a very lovely woman walking our neighbourhood streets on a daily basis; always with a long flowing dress and a kerchief on her head, walking square shouldered with a grace and lightness of step I had seldom seen before. She was quick with a smile and unafraid to make eye contact with me, a total stranger on the street. I had no idea who she was and was pleasantly surprised to discover she was your wife after one of our rides one day. Our rides morphed into walks with our dogs, Chloe and Mitsy, and exchanges of knowledge and labour (you were always there to help with any and all of my technical problems; I, not so much for you). I was so amazed at how insightful Christy was. She could read the pain on my face as I went through a bad patch with my then teen-aged daughter and offered advice and support which helped me through that period. That was her mission in life and she fulfilled it well. Her smile and countenance were enough to disarm the entire military of any war-mongering nation. It is such a shame we could not have broadcast the serenity of her soul to the whole world and perhaps brought about ever lasting peace. She touched all that met her and left an everlasting impression on people, something that very few in this world are capable of doing.
We lost touch when you moved from our neighbourhood in 2004, partly because we were both so absorbed in our businesses and partly because we were separated by a greater physical distance. When I frist heard the Christy had been diagnosed with cancer, I felt that no mortal disease could ever conquer that woman. She had the strength to overcome anything. And even when I received the news from sources over the past few months, advising me she was slipping nearer to death, I could not help but think that this was impossible. Christy would pull through because she was the miracle woman! No need to worry. Alas, when I received your e-mail last Monday, I freely admit I wept in my office, as I am sure many others did. You were so very lucky to have spent many years next to her Wayne, for she was an angel.
I am pleased you created this blog as it has given many, like myself, the opportunity to express our love for you in a way that is at once contemplative and comfortable. Not all of us can make our feelings known face to face.
with best wishes,
your friend,
Al Clark
From Christy's cousin Calvin Haws
Dear Wayne and Boy's:
I was truly sorry to hear about my cousins Christy's death, but in saying that I know that she has gone to a much better place. Jill and my prayers will be with your family today, although you are joyus that she is with the Lord, it will be a very large loss for you and your family's.
I remember many fine holidays in Whiterock in which we spent with Mary, Christy and Paul. Although I was the youngest, I was always made to feel special by my cousins. Christy always had a warm, caring, fun loving personality and a deep love for our Lord Jesus, and although I have only seen her a couple times since my childhood this did not seem to change. I can see by the pictures on her blog that she was a wonderful wife, mother and grand-mother. Is their a charity that a donation could be given to in memory of her? My family would love to contribute something in memory of her.
Sincerely,
Calvin, Jill, David, Emily and Grace Haws
I was truly sorry to hear about my cousins Christy's death, but in saying that I know that she has gone to a much better place. Jill and my prayers will be with your family today, although you are joyus that she is with the Lord, it will be a very large loss for you and your family's.
I remember many fine holidays in Whiterock in which we spent with Mary, Christy and Paul. Although I was the youngest, I was always made to feel special by my cousins. Christy always had a warm, caring, fun loving personality and a deep love for our Lord Jesus, and although I have only seen her a couple times since my childhood this did not seem to change. I can see by the pictures on her blog that she was a wonderful wife, mother and grand-mother. Is their a charity that a donation could be given to in memory of her? My family would love to contribute something in memory of her.
Sincerely,
Calvin, Jill, David, Emily and Grace Haws
from Bolivia
Dear Wayne and family,
We certainly will be praying for you and yours that remain behind for a few brief moments here until that grand day when we will all enter the Father's house. May the Lord stand by you and strengthen you.
Our love from Cochabamba, Bolivia,
Bob and Barb Thonney
We certainly will be praying for you and yours that remain behind for a few brief moments here until that grand day when we will all enter the Father's house. May the Lord stand by you and strengthen you.
Our love from Cochabamba, Bolivia,
Bob and Barb Thonney
Friday, November 2, 2007
From Dad (Walter) With Love
November 1, 2007
My son Wayne
I have many thoughts coursing through my head, and sleep does seem to escape me.
My thoughts go back to last Lord’s day evening, I was driving home after the Gospel Meeting, and when I got to #4 Road, I had to make a right turn and join you at Christies bedside. It was an amazing time, you holding her left hand and I her right. I recall saying to Christy, “If you can hear my voice, squeeze my hand.” There was no response. It was so difficult to hear and watch her struggled and off and on breathing. I was so relieved to hear that her breathing calmed as she left this scene, to be forever with her Lord the Saviour. I recall on leaving her bedside, leaning close to her ear and saying, “Christy, this is Grampa, I am going to say Goodbye, Goodnight, I will see you in the morning.”
About an hour after leaving, my grandson Jeff, called me to say that “Mom had gone home to be with Jesus.”
Wayne, I pray most fervently, that on Saturday, that the Lord will give you the spiritual strength, to deliver a suitable and compelling message to those whom you know will attend, and have a great lifesaving need.
Dad
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Memories from Shannon Walker
Dear Wayne,
Here I sit having just read your blog regarding 'thy beloved' ... and the photo gallery, WOW, Sue Parenteau, Aunt Helen and the 5 generations, your wedding - that must have been in the 'old' meeting room - what memories! You so prove that there is true JOY in the Journey ...
Memories were so flowing as I read ... I remember the day Jeff was born, Karen (Harman) and I came to the hospital to see Christy, (and I believe that was New Years day!) and yes, her Bible was open then too, at Psalms 139, to which she told us -then single- girls, how she now has experienced in a new and awesome way the verse "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (she enjoyed the verses starting with 'thou hast covered me in my mother's womb' to verse 18) ... many years later (1995) when it was my turn, at the birth of my first born in that hospital room I thought of Christy and turned to Psalms 139 also and wrote that in her baby book : ) In my daughter's room hangs the text you gave us for a wedding gift with Christy's hand writing on the back with her message; you 2 so magnify Christ's love together ... then to find out in your photo gallery that she too is a 'cat' person, the text is a picture of a kitten : ) And now at the end of her life this truly is her verse, for she is and was so 'wonderfully made' even in her bodily weakness. Beautiful.
When I first heard of Christy's cancer, I thought, 'she's a young wife, mother and grandmother, she has a husband, children and grandchildren that adore her, she has soooo much to live for!' To see in this blog, how she, as her life was drawing to a close so willingly surrendered it back to the One who had so blessed her in her life, why? She saw that One at the entrance to glory, her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! "Sir, we would see Jesus". What a living testimony, what an example for us. Beautiful again!
I think I have to go and cry a little now, but reading Christy's life and death I'm not sure if they are tears of joy or sorrow, I think both. I pray for you on Saturday Wayne, I thought of closing this note with "because He lives, I can face tomorrow", then thinking of what lies ahead for you both tomorrow and Sat. I can't help but cry again and bear you up before the throne of grace. As my mother has faced this day more than once, she has proved and testified that He does give strength for the day, He does give songs in the night.
Because He lives, I CAN face tomorrow,
In His everlasting Arms
Shannon (Clark : ) Walker
A letter from Phil Brown, who made Christy's casket
(written Sept. 30/07)
Christy, I’m sorry I missed your call on my birthday, but I’m so thankful that you were able to take my call in the hospital after your fall. Nancy and I pray for you, and dear Wayne. We will all be Home soon, together in the presence of the Lord Jesus who gave all to redeem us.
It was a privilege and an honour to build your casket. Every inch of this project was done with love for the Lord Jesus, for you and your family and the saints, and for lost souls – with blood, sweat and tears. I built everything myself and did the upholstery as well. I felt very much dependent on the Lord to design and carry out this work. As the painting unfolded under my hands I had a great sense of the Lord’s guidance. I’m so glad yours was my first casket. There was just enough material on the particular roll to cover the interior. I believe the Lord chose that fabric just for you. I was a little discouraged that the work had a handmade, homemade look to it but now I’m thankful that it does, because it was made by me, just for you, from the Lord, in weakness and dependence.
It’s interesting that the casket idea was given to me a year before by a Christian brother who owns a high-end antiques business, but I never got around to actually starting one, as I was greatly discouraged from this vocation by various factors. The idea was still in my heart, and prompted by a Christian football movie Facing The Giants, I told my wife I wouldn’t waste any more time starting an art casket for sale as the Lord seemed to indicate that the door was still open to pursue this vocation of handmade caskets embellished with artwork (Rev, 3:7-8 I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it). Wayne called the next day to order yours. It was an incredible experience to see the Lord’s hand at work in our lives, fitting all the pieces together for His honour and glory.
So many people in my area have been affected by your going Home, seeing the casket in various stages. People would hear about it and call to ask if they could come over and see it. I met a Christian brother on the Internet who had built a casket for a Christian friend and he encouraged me to put it on a woodworking website. Thousands of people have seen it and heard your story, and of your faith in the Lord Jesus. Christian brothers on the woodworking website have also been praying for you.
My neighbours and family members have heard the gospel by seeing the lid with the verse that you chose, Psalm 16:11 In Thy presence is fullness of joy… and the verse I chose, John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life… and by hearing your story.
Your going Home is a very precious occasion to the Lord and He is using it mightily and faithfully. I am humbled and thankful that He chose me as His instrument to be a part of His taking you to be with Himself. I sorrow with many tears but I joy in the Lord that you will be with Him, and free from your pain.
Christy, you have been a tremendous blessing to me, as has been your dear husband and family. Great are your rewards. Perhaps I will not get to talk to you again on this side of Heaven, but I will see you up there as God has promised to those that love Him.
Until then, your brother in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Phil Brown
Christy, I’m sorry I missed your call on my birthday, but I’m so thankful that you were able to take my call in the hospital after your fall. Nancy and I pray for you, and dear Wayne. We will all be Home soon, together in the presence of the Lord Jesus who gave all to redeem us.
It was a privilege and an honour to build your casket. Every inch of this project was done with love for the Lord Jesus, for you and your family and the saints, and for lost souls – with blood, sweat and tears. I built everything myself and did the upholstery as well. I felt very much dependent on the Lord to design and carry out this work. As the painting unfolded under my hands I had a great sense of the Lord’s guidance. I’m so glad yours was my first casket. There was just enough material on the particular roll to cover the interior. I believe the Lord chose that fabric just for you. I was a little discouraged that the work had a handmade, homemade look to it but now I’m thankful that it does, because it was made by me, just for you, from the Lord, in weakness and dependence.
It’s interesting that the casket idea was given to me a year before by a Christian brother who owns a high-end antiques business, but I never got around to actually starting one, as I was greatly discouraged from this vocation by various factors. The idea was still in my heart, and prompted by a Christian football movie Facing The Giants, I told my wife I wouldn’t waste any more time starting an art casket for sale as the Lord seemed to indicate that the door was still open to pursue this vocation of handmade caskets embellished with artwork (Rev, 3:7-8 I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it). Wayne called the next day to order yours. It was an incredible experience to see the Lord’s hand at work in our lives, fitting all the pieces together for His honour and glory.
So many people in my area have been affected by your going Home, seeing the casket in various stages. People would hear about it and call to ask if they could come over and see it. I met a Christian brother on the Internet who had built a casket for a Christian friend and he encouraged me to put it on a woodworking website. Thousands of people have seen it and heard your story, and of your faith in the Lord Jesus. Christian brothers on the woodworking website have also been praying for you.
My neighbours and family members have heard the gospel by seeing the lid with the verse that you chose, Psalm 16:11 In Thy presence is fullness of joy… and the verse I chose, John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life… and by hearing your story.
Your going Home is a very precious occasion to the Lord and He is using it mightily and faithfully. I am humbled and thankful that He chose me as His instrument to be a part of His taking you to be with Himself. I sorrow with many tears but I joy in the Lord that you will be with Him, and free from your pain.
Christy, you have been a tremendous blessing to me, as has been your dear husband and family. Great are your rewards. Perhaps I will not get to talk to you again on this side of Heaven, but I will see you up there as God has promised to those that love Him.
Until then, your brother in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Phil Brown
A very touching letter
My Dear Sweet Sister in Christ, Christy;
You do not know me much just yet. I am the sister of your precious daughter-in-law, Susie. I am so glad that you are now in Heaven with our Lord Jesus! I am so glad you are forever released from your pain and suffering that you endured so patiently here on earth.
Yet, as you already know, I am SO sad and I hurt SO much for Susie, Steve, Abby, Bethany and Melissa as well as ALL of the many, many people who loved you so much and will so miss your presence here! Yet, your absence is just another reminder of how MUCH JOY we all have in store for us in Heaven!
I am so happy for you now that you are in the presence of Our precious Jesus!!! And, you by now have met and I'm sure are spending time with my most Sweet Mom! That fills my heart with joy! Please give my precious Shear a HUGE hug too! I cannot wait until we are all "caught up together".
I cannot wait to reunite with Susie, Steve and family! I love you so much Christy, and it gives me much happiness to know that you are waiting along side my Mom for when Jesus calls us all up to meet together and forever.
Tons of Love,
Joanna
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Words of encouragement from the Wilsons
Dear Wayne and Family:
"When pressed with burdens and trouble too complicated to put into words and too mysterious to tell or understand, how sweet it is to fall back into His blessed arms, and just sob out the sorrow that we cannot speak!" selected
"Likewise also the Spirit helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what to pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26,27.
It is a groan whose undertone is praise and unutterable joy because we know our Lord does all things well.
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18
Thinking of, praying for, and trusting you to Him at this time of joy and sorrow mingling,
Ed and Cathie Wilson
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Desolation and Comfort
“Good Mourning My Love”
I Thessalonians 4:13 …that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope…
I drive a transport at night to help support my woodworking business until it can become profitable. My load delivers across the street from a large facility for city buses from the region. When I leave the industrial park I meet dozens of oncoming buses finishing their runs. They display a French and English sign to indicate their status. The English sign says Out of Service. The French sign has only one word, Désolé.
As the empty buses roar by, I almost shiver. The word désolé brings English words to my mind such as desolate, barren, waste – and from the dictionary, bleak, stark, blasted. I’m not much for listening to the radio when I’m driving so I do a lot of thinking, praying – and feeling. This French word can also be linked to feeling forlorn, black, afraid, sorry(be regretful).
Susie talked about the hole in her heart, an unfillable hole, and that Christy is irreplaceable – there is none like her. I understand and feel that emptiness, that almost barren, waste place in the heart, the loss of the earthly presence of our dear sister Christy, one who mothered me in the Lord for so many years over the three thousand miles that separated us. A hole in the heart that only the Lord can fill. A space that needn’t be filled with grief and despair.
I am presently completing a casket for a local man whose wife belongs to the Lord, but he has waited his whole life to make the decision to accept the Lord. He has brain cancer and with the disease and the treatment has a profound loss of his faculties. His wife stays by his hospital bed faithfully trying to pray and encourage him into the Kingdom. I am easily reminded of the condition of the lost before the Lord when those empty buses pass by and the word désolé flashes before my eyes time after time – désolé – desolate, without Christ. What emptiness.
My dear wife Nancy has only met Christy in person once, when she was visiting in our area, but has talked to her on the phone and has grown to love her. Of late when I come into the house from the shop, Nancy will be sitting at the computer reading Christy’s blog, crying, copying the articles and photos onto cd for keeping. Last night before I left in the transport she said that she hadn’t found 1 Thess. 4:13 in the blog so I suggested that maybe we should contribute.
When I came downstairs this morning my wife’s dictionary was on the computer desk, open to the words desolate and despair, highlighted in magic marker. Under desolate she had highlighted the description, wretched because broken-hearted, without hope, and unable to be consoled or comforted. Under despair were underlined, a feeling that nothing good can happen, and the word discouragement. Don’t these descriptions characterize the world’s sorrow in death? They can also be ours without the encouragement and promises from God’s Word.
On top of the dictionary were notes she had made from her morning devotions. At the bottom of the note she had written a “good morning” salutation to me, which had been misspelled Good Mourning My Love.
Nancy is slightly dyslexic when it comes to backing vehicles up and putting letters together, but as I wrote my thoughts down and looked at her notes I realized that I was to have good mourning about Christy’s passing, as in
I Thessalonians 4:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I had the privilege of talking to Christy one last time in the hospital and was delighted that she recognized my voice right away. The nurses were bathing her and we weren’t able to talk long. It was to be our last goodbye down here. I shared Hymn 109 from the Little Flock Hymnbook because earlier I’d heard churchbells in our little town playing the tune, and the words Thou Lord our all must be came to my heart as I got closer to the sound and recognized the tune. Jesus was and is Christy’s all.
Jesus! That name is love,
Jesus, our Lord!
Jesus, all names above,
Jesus, the Lord!
Thou, Lord our all must be;
Nothing that's good have we,
Nothing apart from Thee,
Jesus, our Lord!
As Son of man it was,
Jesus, the Lord!
Thou gav'st Thy life for us,
Jesus, our Lord!
Great was indeed Thy love,
All other loves above,
Love Thou didst dearly prove,
Jesus, our Lord!
Righteous alone in Thee,
Jesus, the Lord!
Thou wilt a refuge be,
Jesus, our Lord!
Whom then have we to fear,
What trouble, grief, or care,
Since Thou art ever near,
Jesus, our Lord!
Soon Thou wilt come again,
Jesus, the Lord!
We shall be happy then,
Jesus, our Lord!
When Thine own face we see,
Then shall we like Thee be,
Then evermore with Thee,
Jesus, our Lord.
Phil Brown
Monday, October 29, 2007
A poem for Christy from Deborah (at Priority)
Christy,
Christy has been a huge encouragement in my life – a beautiful picture of Christ. When we spent time together, we loved to talk about the Lord we share and, especially towards the end, she would ask me to read Scripture to her while she lay in her bed. In the hospice, as I read she wrote in her journal the Scriptures she liked, so she could review them later. As I read the Bible to her, I could hear her lovingly repeat some of the passages, so I knew when the Word was speaking to her heart. I don't think she realized how much these times we shared blessed me. Sometimes, I loved to whisper Truth in her ear – the Truth of God's love for her. Sometimes it seemed like she couldn't grasp that God would love her so much. She had a real humility about her. The first time she went into the hospital, I went to see her with the hopes of being an encouragement to her. What a surprise for me, since I was the one that left uplifted and encouraged! After that, it was never a surprise to me that I came away filled with the promises of God, and assured of His greatness. During our last visit, when she was still able to communicate, she was failing but encouraged me to keep up my Mandarin classes and kept asking me to practice on her, the words I'd learned so far! So sweet - she always thought of others first. I never once heard her complain about her condition. She downplayed it and made the burdens of others seem more important.
I will really miss her, she's taught me so much. Wayne, Steve and Susie, Jeff and Heidi, Walter – my prayers are with you. Be encouraged. I know you are. Thank you for this beautiful blog so we can share in her memories.
Love always, in Christ,
Deb
Because of the Blood, dear Christy,
It's because of the Blood we're saved.
Because of His Blood, sweet sister,
It's because of His Blood you're now free.
Your name graced His lips as He hung there.
My name on His lips as He took on my stains.
He stood in your place, He paid my debts.
He knew what He needed to do.
What was it like for Him, Christy,
To leave His throne room in Heaven,
Humbling Himself to a death on a cross,
Full of suffering, pain and shame?
It was His Love, my friend, that drove Him there,
A Love so profound, I cannot grasp.
To take this death, my death, upon Himself
As I spat in His Face and mocked His Name.
He waited, He's patient. He never gives up.
His Grace, through Faith I'm forgiven.
Now, He holds me close and hems me in,
Forever before, behind and beside.
This is the God you have loved, my Christy.
The same God whose Love He's made real
Through His Daughter, beautiful Christy,
Made just like her Glorious Dad!
I love you, my dearest Christy,
Because of His blood we're Sisters.
And though you've gone Home to be with our Friend,
Some brilliant, astonishing, magnificent day, together again we'll be .
by Deborah Brebner
It's because of the Blood we're saved.
Because of His Blood, sweet sister,
It's because of His Blood you're now free.
Your name graced His lips as He hung there.
My name on His lips as He took on my stains.
He stood in your place, He paid my debts.
He knew what He needed to do.
What was it like for Him, Christy,
To leave His throne room in Heaven,
Humbling Himself to a death on a cross,
Full of suffering, pain and shame?
It was His Love, my friend, that drove Him there,
A Love so profound, I cannot grasp.
To take this death, my death, upon Himself
As I spat in His Face and mocked His Name.
He waited, He's patient. He never gives up.
His Grace, through Faith I'm forgiven.
Now, He holds me close and hems me in,
Forever before, behind and beside.
This is the God you have loved, my Christy.
The same God whose Love He's made real
Through His Daughter, beautiful Christy,
Made just like her Glorious Dad!
I love you, my dearest Christy,
Because of His blood we're Sisters.
And though you've gone Home to be with our Friend,
Some brilliant, astonishing, magnificent day, together again we'll be .
by Deborah Brebner
Christy has been a huge encouragement in my life – a beautiful picture of Christ. When we spent time together, we loved to talk about the Lord we share and, especially towards the end, she would ask me to read Scripture to her while she lay in her bed. In the hospice, as I read she wrote in her journal the Scriptures she liked, so she could review them later. As I read the Bible to her, I could hear her lovingly repeat some of the passages, so I knew when the Word was speaking to her heart. I don't think she realized how much these times we shared blessed me. Sometimes, I loved to whisper Truth in her ear – the Truth of God's love for her. Sometimes it seemed like she couldn't grasp that God would love her so much. She had a real humility about her. The first time she went into the hospital, I went to see her with the hopes of being an encouragement to her. What a surprise for me, since I was the one that left uplifted and encouraged! After that, it was never a surprise to me that I came away filled with the promises of God, and assured of His greatness. During our last visit, when she was still able to communicate, she was failing but encouraged me to keep up my Mandarin classes and kept asking me to practice on her, the words I'd learned so far! So sweet - she always thought of others first. I never once heard her complain about her condition. She downplayed it and made the burdens of others seem more important.
I will really miss her, she's taught me so much. Wayne, Steve and Susie, Jeff and Heidi, Walter – my prayers are with you. Be encouraged. I know you are. Thank you for this beautiful blog so we can share in her memories.
Love always, in Christ,
Deb
From Sam Ludvicek
(Dear Brother Sam, we took your comment and posted it because we thought it beautiful and worth putting up as a post! Thanks!)
Dear brother Coleman,
We sorrow with you and lift you up to the Lord in prayer. We are sorry for you and your family’s loss but rejoice at her gain.
Dear brother go forth and give the gospel in the power of the Spirit of God. I have had the privilege of preaching the gospel at the funerals of members of my family. It was difficult, but non-the less moments I will treasure forever. I consider it a great honor to have had the privilege of preaching the gospel at the funerals of my grandmother, my grandfather, my mother, my father and my brother Lyle. The Lord helped me and He will help you dear brother. I experienced great freedom in telling those who came to the funerals, about the shared blessed hope I had with my loved ones and rejoiced to tell the Old, Old Story one more time.
There was a strange mixture of joy and sorrow, I’m sure you will experience it as well. Joy at knowing where my loved ones were and sorrow at the tearing away. Joy at knowing I will see them again, sorrow because I missed them.
As you stand next to the precious dust in that coffin point your loved ones and the saints up to where she is, with Christ and point those lost sinners in the crowd to the cross. We will be praying!
Soon and very soon we will meet our Saviour face to face and then we will be reunited around the throne of God with our loved ones. Glory be to God in the highest!
I was comforted as the Lord brought to mind these and other familiar verses.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“…underneath are the everlasting arms…”Deuteronomy 33:27
“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Be encouraged in the Lord, He is faithful who promised.
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” Ephesians 3:16
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
The lord knows…he really, really knows!
“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He send peace into your heart.
Your brother & sister by such great grace,
Sam & Zebo Ludvicek
Dear brother Coleman,
We sorrow with you and lift you up to the Lord in prayer. We are sorry for you and your family’s loss but rejoice at her gain.
Dear brother go forth and give the gospel in the power of the Spirit of God. I have had the privilege of preaching the gospel at the funerals of members of my family. It was difficult, but non-the less moments I will treasure forever. I consider it a great honor to have had the privilege of preaching the gospel at the funerals of my grandmother, my grandfather, my mother, my father and my brother Lyle. The Lord helped me and He will help you dear brother. I experienced great freedom in telling those who came to the funerals, about the shared blessed hope I had with my loved ones and rejoiced to tell the Old, Old Story one more time.
There was a strange mixture of joy and sorrow, I’m sure you will experience it as well. Joy at knowing where my loved ones were and sorrow at the tearing away. Joy at knowing I will see them again, sorrow because I missed them.
As you stand next to the precious dust in that coffin point your loved ones and the saints up to where she is, with Christ and point those lost sinners in the crowd to the cross. We will be praying!
Soon and very soon we will meet our Saviour face to face and then we will be reunited around the throne of God with our loved ones. Glory be to God in the highest!
I was comforted as the Lord brought to mind these and other familiar verses.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“…underneath are the everlasting arms…”Deuteronomy 33:27
“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Be encouraged in the Lord, He is faithful who promised.
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” Ephesians 3:16
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
The lord knows…he really, really knows!
“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He send peace into your heart.
Your brother & sister by such great grace,
Sam & Zebo Ludvicek
Heavenly Comfort
My husband Robert and I ,joined by our two daughters Sarah and Martha would like to assure you and your family of our continued prayers that the Lord who is our Comfort may sustain and keep you all.We have prayed for you in the past and trust that the Lord will let you feel His everlasting arms holding you up.
In Him,
Robert and Sigrid Muir (Montreal Canada)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Memories, by Chris & Judy
Christy
Judy and I have visited Christy and Wayne numerous times in the last six months or so at their home, hospital and hospice. Each time we visited, we talked about life, dying, what it would be like to be with Jesus, our families and so on. I felt we were visiting an angel, someone who was so close to Jesus that she was almost touching Him. In August, we went over to their home and Christy wanted to go for a walk on the dike. We were concerned that it might be too much for her but she really wanted to go. She took her walker and walked about a mile down and back, drinking in the beautiful scenery, sounds, and smells. On the way back, we stopped for a rest and I noticed there were some ripe blackberries along the trail. I picked a few and offered them to Christy. She enjoyed those blackberries so much. She treated them as a gift from God that He had grown for her so she could enjoy them there that day. I will always remember Christy every time I see and taste blackberries. Christy was always so sweet, thinking of others, a peace-maker, close to Jesus, and always enjoying each moment given to her. We will miss her and her sweet smile when she is gone. She has been an example to us all. She has fought the good fight and kept her eyes always on Jesus.
Chris and Judy Coleman
(Chris is a cousin to Wayne)
Judy and I have visited Christy and Wayne numerous times in the last six months or so at their home, hospital and hospice. Each time we visited, we talked about life, dying, what it would be like to be with Jesus, our families and so on. I felt we were visiting an angel, someone who was so close to Jesus that she was almost touching Him. In August, we went over to their home and Christy wanted to go for a walk on the dike. We were concerned that it might be too much for her but she really wanted to go. She took her walker and walked about a mile down and back, drinking in the beautiful scenery, sounds, and smells. On the way back, we stopped for a rest and I noticed there were some ripe blackberries along the trail. I picked a few and offered them to Christy. She enjoyed those blackberries so much. She treated them as a gift from God that He had grown for her so she could enjoy them there that day. I will always remember Christy every time I see and taste blackberries. Christy was always so sweet, thinking of others, a peace-maker, close to Jesus, and always enjoying each moment given to her. We will miss her and her sweet smile when she is gone. She has been an example to us all. She has fought the good fight and kept her eyes always on Jesus.
Chris and Judy Coleman
(Chris is a cousin to Wayne)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
From Dad, grampa, great grampa ( Walter )
My dearest Christy:
As I wrote you earlier, this type of salutation I reserve for very special persons, of which you qualify.
When you were first diagnosedwith this disease, cancer, I said and thought, I am not prepared to lose my dear Christy. My prayer was that the Lord would completely eradicate the cancer from your body, of which He could, if it is His will. As time went on, it became evident that this was not going to happen. Now when I visit you and see the effects this disease is having on you, it grieves me deeply. However when I realise, and see your cheerful acceptance of what is taking place, I marvel, and it is a profound lesson to me, as to how a child of God can suffer in so sweetly and accepting all from a loving and merciful God. We are also greatly encouraged by the Lord's promise of coming for His own blood bought people, and Christy, consider the changes that will take place, 1 Corinthians 15: 51 - 58, 1 Thessalonians. 4: 13 - 18, and also Philippians 3: 20 - 21. I know you are very conversant with these wonderful passages, but just imagine the reality of "Fashioned like unto His glorious body" The Lord does take his people individually, but how wonderful when He will come and take His Bride to those courts above, "Forever with the Lord". Perhaps today. "Even so come, Lord Jesus"
"Dad, Grampa, father-in-law, etc.
As I wrote you earlier, this type of salutation I reserve for very special persons, of which you qualify.
When you were first diagnosedwith this disease, cancer, I said and thought, I am not prepared to lose my dear Christy. My prayer was that the Lord would completely eradicate the cancer from your body, of which He could, if it is His will. As time went on, it became evident that this was not going to happen. Now when I visit you and see the effects this disease is having on you, it grieves me deeply. However when I realise, and see your cheerful acceptance of what is taking place, I marvel, and it is a profound lesson to me, as to how a child of God can suffer in so sweetly and accepting all from a loving and merciful God. We are also greatly encouraged by the Lord's promise of coming for His own blood bought people, and Christy, consider the changes that will take place, 1 Corinthians 15: 51 - 58, 1 Thessalonians. 4: 13 - 18, and also Philippians 3: 20 - 21. I know you are very conversant with these wonderful passages, but just imagine the reality of "Fashioned like unto His glorious body" The Lord does take his people individually, but how wonderful when He will come and take His Bride to those courts above, "Forever with the Lord". Perhaps today. "Even so come, Lord Jesus"
"Dad, Grampa, father-in-law, etc.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Answered prayers
Dear Wayne and Christy,
We are so glad we got to visit you both again in June. Christy, you asked me then to pray two things for you: that you would not be grouchy, and that you would be a testimony to those around you for the Lord. I am awed at God's answers to those prayers, to think that even in your pain and immobility you can smile and say you are here to "thank Him and praise Him for everything He's done." What a wonderful fragrance it is to the Lord to see you still rejoicing in Him and praising Him! It is a powerful testimony to us as well as to those around you. We know your confidence is not in yourself, but rather in the Lord Jesus, who came to earth to die so that you could go to Heaven and live. "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine" Isaiah. 43:1. We know He is holding your hand.
You are both always in our love and prayers,
Bruce and Bonnie Imbeau
We are so glad we got to visit you both again in June. Christy, you asked me then to pray two things for you: that you would not be grouchy, and that you would be a testimony to those around you for the Lord. I am awed at God's answers to those prayers, to think that even in your pain and immobility you can smile and say you are here to "thank Him and praise Him for everything He's done." What a wonderful fragrance it is to the Lord to see you still rejoicing in Him and praising Him! It is a powerful testimony to us as well as to those around you. We know your confidence is not in yourself, but rather in the Lord Jesus, who came to earth to die so that you could go to Heaven and live. "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine" Isaiah. 43:1. We know He is holding your hand.
You are both always in our love and prayers,
Bruce and Bonnie Imbeau
From Christy's nurse
I will never forget the first day I met Christy. She was lying on her bed at our hospice with her Bible opened and a wide smile on her face. There was this pure aura around her that moved my spirit. She is an epitome of a Godly woman. She has a smile and a kind word for everyone despite her physical pains. 1Timothy 6:11. Before I met Christy, my prayer and wishes were that "may I not die when I am not sure of heaven." After I met her, that prayer changed to "when you are ready to take me home Lord, let people around me be sure that I am going to heaven." It is obvious that at the end of Christy's journey here on earth , she is going home to be with the Lord. It is a privilege and honour to be one of her caregivers. As Wayne and Christy go through this journey with love and faith, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
"How much lighter trials become when we realise God's grace is twofold. It is not only the happy ending, it is also the peace we can feel during a painful journey, when we trust in God - all the way" - Doris Haase.
From Sola
"How much lighter trials become when we realise God's grace is twofold. It is not only the happy ending, it is also the peace we can feel during a painful journey, when we trust in God - all the way" - Doris Haase.
From Sola
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