Remembering Pat

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. — John 14:1-3

Saturday we went to a memorial service for our friend Pat.

She was the ultimate prayer warrior.

No matter the concern, Pat would be willing to pray.

In fact, she would call people and offer to pray for whatever they needed.

She would also write me notes of thanks to let me know how much she appreciated my singing when I would sing for our church services.

She would pray aloud during the prayer times at our services.

And she would pray whenever a group of us would gather and someone would express a need or concern.

We miss her already.

She showed us the love of Jesus through her own life.

A Lamp for My Feet

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. — Psalm 119:105

Today we had a beautiful memorial service for our former pastor, Paul Pulliam.

Lots of friends and family members came to pay tribute to Paul and his wife Ruth.

We were blessed to know him and to have him as a mentor and friend.

Paul's life was a light on our path.

He had a beautiful way of conducting memorial services that glorified God and shared the Gospel with the people who came to the service.

His life celebrated God's Word.

We are thankful.

Surrounded by Friends

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. — John 15:14-15

We are surrounded by friends that we treasure.

Yesterday we had lots of them attend Gary's memorial service and send emails and cards remembering his life.

Those who were not able to attend the service can watch it on our church LiveStream: http://livestream.com/FPCSD/events/8748320

After the service, we came back to our house and enjoyed food and fellowship with friends and relatives.

What a great way to end the day!

Gary's Memorial Service

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. — Romans 8:14

Today is Gary's memorial service. We are thankful to so many people who are participating and helping us coordinate everything for the service and the reception.

David and Adam are coordinating the slideshow and sound.

Pastor Jerry will give the meditation.

Mariley and Adam prepared the program.

Sharon accompanied the hymns and solos, played the prelude and the benediction.

Dan sang "Deep River."

Brad and Peggy coordinated the catering and Zan coordinated the reception.

Wendy did the flowers for us.

We are blessed and thankful for such wonderful friends.

Well Done, Faithful Servant

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21

Cameron, Michael, Kirk, Kelly, Gary, Kyle on Lake Okoboji

The viewing for Kirk's dad Gary will be on Sunday, May 26 at Erickson Anderson Mortuary on Allison Avenue in La Mesa from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

He will be flown to Iowa to be buried next to Rita (at a date to be determined).

A memorial service will be held later this summer in San Diego.

Here's a photo of the boys on their road trip back to Iowa.

They are standing on the shores of Lake Okoboji.

God Rules

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves arise, thou stillest them. — Psalm 89:10

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. — Psalm 107:29-30

O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.  — Psalm 34:8

One of my college classmates sent me these Bible verses, and I love them. Thanks to Diana for this assurance from God's Word.

And more beautiful flowers from my coworker Lisa. The yellow flowers are from her garden and smell wonderful!

Today we attended the memorial service for Jean Bowie, a wonderful saint with a sharp sense of humor. She was not afraid to tell it like it is, and she was always willing to share her faith.

I am inspired by people such as Jean (and my brother Steve) who are able to share their faith so easily with whoever they come into contact.

Kirk and I were reminded that we need to reach out to welcome and encourage our neighbors, too.

I am blessed.

Praising God for His goodness.