Healing Rain

Healing rain is coming down 

It's coming nearer to this old town 

Rich and poor, weak and strong 

It's bringing mercy, it won't be long

Healing rain is coming down 

It's coming closer to the lost and found 

Tears of joy, and tears of shame 

Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire 

So let it fall and take us higher 

Healing rain, I'm not afraid 

To be washed in Heaven's rain

Lift your heads, let us return 

To the mercy seat where time began 

And in your eyes, I see the pain 

Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

And only You, the Son of man 

Can take a leper and let him stand 

So lift your hands, they can be held 

By someone greater, the great I Am

Healing rain, it comes with fire 

So let it fall and take us higher 

Healing rain, I'm not afraid 

To be washed in Heaven's rain

To be washed in Heaven's rain...

Healing rain is falling down 

Healing rain is falling down 

I'm not afraid 

I'm not afraid...

Thankful for...

I had a long thanksgiving post mostly written and was going to finish it tonight, but I deleted it. This year I can say I am most thankful for pain and heartache. Yeah, I know, that's not "normal" but it's true. The pain, heartache, loss, struggles, decisions, tears, sleepless nights, all of it, I am thankful. Why? Because through it all I learned that God truly gives a song in the night. He gives peace, love, guidance, direction, mercy, grace, strength, healing, comfort, protection, and on the list could go. He is almighty, unchangeable, God. In His loving plan He brought the hard times to my life to grow, stretch and strengthen me. His blessings do often "come through raindrops."

Major Changes...Again

It seems my life never, ever likes to sit still for long. Or perhaps it's me that can't sit still. I don't know. It seems I'm never content with the current level of my life, I want something more, something better all the time. I'm not content to sit idle when there is so much more to learn and do. A good thing? I hope so. This leads me to the current changes. I think they are what God wants for me and they are definitely for the better. They will bring with them a lot of hard work and effort, they will stretch me, making me into someone better than I am. This is what I want out of my whole life, to be constantly stretched into a better person, but more importantly, I want to be stretched to be a better Christian so I can serve my God in a more meaningful fashion.

The first change is my job! Yep, I'm leaving the bank. This is a shock to a lot of people, but it is something I've been considering for a very long time; I was just waiting for the right opportunity to come my way. This presented itself in a job offer from a dry cleaner. I know, you're probably thinking, "Changing from a bank job to a dry cleaner is a better thing?!" It is. I was starting to go nuts sitting in an office all day, I need to be with people. I love to meet new people, get to know the "regulars" and make the new customers feel welcome. It's what makes me "tick." God gave each of us different personalities that require different stimuli, mine include people. (Have I gotten my point across yet?)

On to the next change: school. I know I had posted earlier that I was going to be attending Baptist College of America, but I honestly didn't have a peace about it. I couldn't focus on the classes and I just felt like I was drifting off course. I didn't really know what to do so I prayed about it. I really like this politics thing and I've wanted to be in it for a very long time. So, I'm quitting the whole "Christian college" thing and switching to Thomas Edison State College and a degree in History. So yeah...it'll be a little while until I finish, but I'm ok with that. I don't have anything I have to do so I'll just enjoy my time, enjoy life a little bit (although I have a feeling all I'll be doing is work and school), and see what else God has in store for me.

It seems my life is in constant upheaval, if it's not one thing, it is definitely another. I'm so glad to know that I have a Heavenly Father who cares for me and has everything perfectly figured out. In His time all things will come together, all I need do is take each step in faith, trusting Him alone.

God Answers Prayers

For the past several years I have been very burdened for my friend Ray who is in the Army. He was unsaved and quite content that way. He's had some very close calls during his three deployments (he is still in his third). In June he was home on leave and we spent quite a bit of time together. During that time I was able to talk to him a little bit about God and my dad also talked to him some this year and a year ago when he was home.

Last night I chatted with him for the first time in well over a month. He was recently moved to another base and was without access to a computer for a long while. During our chat he told me that he had become very close friends with the assistant chaplain and they had a lot of really good talks. We then proceeded to have a discussion about having a religion versus having a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. In the course of this conversation he told me that he had admitted that he was a sinner in need of a Savior and had accepted Christ as his personal Savior! I was floored. A rush of about a thousand emotions ran through me, at first a little bit of apprehension and disbelief, then the realization that this was actually happening, he had really become a believer. Years of praying and begging God to save him had payed off and Ray is now a fellow Christian.

As I considered all of this, my thoughts kept going to a phrase I use quite often, "Oh me of little faith!" How I had despaired of this day ever coming. I thought that God had probably just written him off, but how wrong I was! I am so thankful for a prayer hearing and answering God. A God who loves the whole world and is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. A God who loves each one of us individually, and cares about us and our burdens. Praise the Lord!

Consume Me

"God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus."

~Jim Elliot~

Jim Elliot wrote this one summer while he was in college, which means he was right around my age. He had an evident dedication to God, and he wanted to display that in any way possible -- even to the point of death. He ended up being a missionary in Ecuador, and was martyred by the Auca Indians. As a result of his death the door was opened to these people for the Gospel. Now there is a thriving church among this once feared tribe of cannibals.

This made me seriously consider my life. I have come to the conclusion that I want God to run my life, I want to be filled by Him, I long to have a life that benefits and brings glory to Him alone. Whether I have one year or 60 years left in my life I want them to be filled with helping people and doing what God wants. I desire my life to be a living sacrifice to my Savior. When it is time for me to stand before my Maker, I hope to hear the words, "Well done!" I don't want to look back with regret at missed opportunities, wasted minutes, and empty enterprises. I want to look back at a full life -- full of things done to bring people closer to Jesus. I want my life to be a blazing "stick" for Christ, not a smoldering pile of ash that never amounted to anything.

A Time to Die

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

~I Corinthians 15:22

The past few days have been insanely hectic. My former pastor's wife had a massive heart attack Friday night and went to be with Jesus Saturday morning. This was incredibly shocking to everyone because she had no prior heart problems. She left behind a husband of many years, 8 children, 38 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son and a granddaughter.

Her husband is now an evangelist and on the road preaching most of the time. Thankfully he was home the night of her heart attack and with his wife most of the time, except when she was flown to a heart hospital and in surgery. Several of her children live in the area and were also able to be with her during this time.

Visitation was Monday and her funeral service was Tuesday. My mom is her husband's secretary, since she is still not up to par from her surgery, I stepped in and was able to do most of what Mom would usually do. I made a zillion phone calls, made food, watched little kids, and helped with the funeral dinner.

Thankfully all eight children, most of their spouses and children were able to be at the funeral service. It was one of the longest I have ever been to, it lasted well over two hours! Each of the children spoke as well as the oldest grandson. A few close friends and people that she had touched in her ministry also gave a testimony of how she impacted their lives for eternity. There was lots of music and then a dear pastor friend gave a clear presentation of the Gospel. God was honored in all that was said and done.

"When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have refuge."

~Proverbs 14:32

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Yesterday I went to a concert at a church here in town. There were many pieces played and sung by artists that go to that church, but one song that was sung had a special meaning to me:

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day,

And I don't borrow from its sunshine

'Cause the skies might turn to grey.

And I don't worry about the future,

'Cause I know what Jesus said,

And today I'm gonna walk right beside Him

'Cause He's the one Who knows what is ahead.

There are things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand,

But I know Who holds tomorrow

And I know Who holds my hand.

And each step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb,

And every burden is getting lighter,

And all the clouds are silver lined.

And over there the sun is always shining

And no tears will dim the eye

At the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains, they touch the sky.

There are many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand,

But I know Who holds tomorrow

And I know Who holds my hand.

~LeAnn Rimes

I used to have to have my life planned out exactly how it was going to be. I could not stand the thought of not know what tomorrow and the day after, and the month after and my entire life held. Several times I have had those perfectly laid plans completely demolished by God. Lately, I have simply left it up to Him. Yes, I have a general idea of some things in life, but many I don't have a clue about, and that is perfectly fine with me. I'm tired of trying to plan things on my own instead of just letting go and allowing God to take control and do as He pleases. May the Lord be glorified in my life both now and forevermore.

Choices...

Have you ever really struggled with God over something? Maybe it's a big decision, or a life changing event, possibly it's something you can't control, or perhaps you can control and what you want isn't what God wants. Often this type of situation requires a lot of prayer and tears.

I have recently had a situation like this arise in my life. I've been planning for the past two years to finish my four year degree in 3 1/2 years. I've worked very hard and had insane class schedules in order to get all the credits and classes I needed. Just recently I had a long chat with the Academic Dean. We did a lot of number crunching and discovered that I'm three credits short of that goal and I have no possible way of cramming those credits into an already packed schedule. Talk about a let down. It felt like I'd done all that work for nothing.

Having come to this point I realized that I now had two choices and either way I was still going to be here for the extra semester. My first option was to throw a little fit and complain, groan and moan about the whole thing. The second choice was to suck it up, realize that God had a purpose in the whole thing and be happy about it. I'm not going to lie, it was a really hard thing for me (still is, actually) and I have shed many tears over it. However, as is often the case in my life, I've found that although I may not see it now, I know that God has a purpose and a plan for all of this. I have to trust that He knows what is best for my life, and His plans are way above my highest imagination and wildest dreams. I have had to lay what *I* wanted at His feet and trust Him for each little and big step I take.

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus, unto the twelve, 'Will ye also go away?' Then Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.'" (John 6:66-69)

The greatest desire of my heart is to honor and glorify my Heavenly Father in everything that I do. When the end of my life comes I sincerely want to be able to look back on all that I have done and say, "That was all because of God!"

No Mistakes

Today I was spending some time playing through the hymn book - it's one of my favorite things to do, especially when I'm thinking. It seems to clear my mind as I meditate on the songs I play. I came across a song by Kim Moore, titled, "God Makes No Mistakes" and as I read the words my thoughts flew to my own life, as well as the lives of others that I know, how often it seems like God is making a mistake by bringing some hardship or trial in our lives, but then looking back one can see how it all worked out for the good. The chorus of that song goes, "I know God makes no mistakes. He leads in ev'ry path I take along the way that's leading me to home. Though at times my heart would break, there's a purpose in ev'ry change He makes: that others would see my life and know that God makes no mistakes."

Often when I'm in the middle of something that seems impossible to me, my attitude does not reflect God's presence. Instead, far to often I find myself focused on me, and my problems, not on what God wants to do in my life through this difficulty. I'm sad to admit that I've even flat out told God that He was making a mistake, that I didn't want this, and it was too hard for me to bear. How I want that to change, to become more open to my Father's leading, His kind correction, and His knowledgeable stretching of my faith in Him. I want my heart's cry to be "More like my Savior" but that can only be accomplished through a heart that understands "God makes no mistakes."

Thankful Reflections

Looking back over this past year I was honestly shocked at all that has gone on this year. This has been the craziest year of my life. I've had the most horrible hurts and pains, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But yet, at the same time I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams.

As Thanksgiving draws closer, I have really begun to look at my blessings, if I were to "Count them one by one" I'd be writing all day long. So, I'm going to try to focus on big things, and hopefully I won't overwhelm you, although I'm slightly overwhelmed myself!

One huge blessing was my family coming to visit me in NY for Thanksgiving last year. That was a HUGE and amazing blessing, and an amazing surprise. Only God knows just how much I needed my family at that time.

By Christmas break, I was REALLY, REALLY sick, which resulted in a not so fun Christmas break. However I learned so much through that sickness. God taught me some VERY important lessons. As funny as it might sound, I am thankful for the pain and hurt, because through it all, God drew me closer to Him.

To add to that blessing, I'm so thankful that the doctors were able to figure out what was wrong with me, just in time, and I was able to have surgery before my break was over, so I didn't have to miss any school.

My second semester of school brought some very important friends into my life. The McMahons, and Phillips' became like my second family and without them I don't think that I could have survived through my last semester in New York.

Oh, a crazy blessing about New York, and a thing I'm very thankful for, COFFEE! Before college I thought coffee was of the devil, NOW HOWEVER…mmm….it's great stuff! :) I love Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks is pretty good as well.

Coming back from NY I was once again sick, actually, I had been sick since Spring break. I was trying to see a blessing in that, and it was kinda hard. So I thought, and thought, and the blessing I could find was that through all the doctor visits, I got a good dose of Dunkin Donuts, cuz there is a DD about 3 miles from the doctors office! I know…that was crazy!

In June my family went to Antigo, WI for my best friends mom's memorial service. It was really hard and sad, but at the same time it was wonderful to see how Mrs. Pieri's quiet, loving personality was able to bless so many people. It was also nice to see Bro. Pieri, and Faith, and Joseph and spend quite a bit of time with them.

On June 16 my parents celebrated their 20th anniversary! I have to say that I'm VERY thankful for that because without them getting married, well, needless to say I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to throw a surprise party for my parents! Well, dad knew about it (that's because I clued him in on the whole thing), but somehow I managed to pull it off on mom, which was my main goal! It was AWESOME! :)

Also, not intentionally, on June 16 God brought the biggest blessing into my life. Many of you already know this, but I'll put it in here anyways. I sent an email to a Navy sailor who is stationed in Japan, who a friend of mine had been telling me about for quite awhile…actually, bugging me about! ;) Finally because I was tired of her bugging me, I gave in and sent Jason Hunsicker an email…hoping that I would never hear anything back, and also hoping that it would get Amanda off my back. Welllll….neither one of those things happened. Jason did send me an email back and I responded and the rest is history. Now after thousands of emails back and forth, and countless hours spent on the phone we have developed a relationship that goes beyond my wildest imaginations. Wow! I could go on and on…but lest I bore you with the wonderful details of my life, I will move on! :)

Other blessings this summer included seeing my friend LeAnne, whom I hadn't seen since 8th grade, the Pieri's coming to IN for a weekend, Samuel getting to go to flight camp, and then going on a missions trip to Canada.

Then in August I began college at Shawnee Baptist College in New Albany, IN. This is my first year here, but I'm still a Sophomore, which reminds me of another blessing…all my credits from International transferred without any problems. So far this semester has been jammed packed with school and work and trying to cram a few extra things in every once in a while.

The Saturday before Labor Day my former roommate got married in TN and I was able to go to her wedding and also was able to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a long time.

In September my Grandma Drazich visited my family for a few weeks, and one weekend they came down here to visit. It was nice to see my family, and I hadn't seen my grandma since my high school graduation!

October brought some bitter sweet news, Jason isn't going to be able to take me to the Christmas banquet in December, but he is still coming home, just a week later than originally planned. It did work out though that we will end up getting to spend more time together than if he had been able to come home the week earlier.

November also brought a WONDERFUL blessing, my brother got saved! That was the best news that I had heard in a long time!

I guess to sum it all up, this year has been the most amazing year of my life, and I'm sooo thankful to God for all that He has done for me!

Thorns and Roses

"Some people complain because the roses have thorns. Other give thanks because the thorns have roses." ~Unknown

I recently read this quote and it really made me stop and think about my reactions to life, or the thorns and roses in my life. What you make in life depends on your attitude. Often it is so much easier to see the thorns and forget that God gave us roses along the way.

For me, right now my thorns in life happen to mainly be centered around my relationship with Jason. The fact that he's thousands of miles away, and right now he is underway and moving even further away with every minute. On top of that there are more difficulties with long distance relationships than most people realize, especially emotionally it can be very draining.

Sometimes I start to think on nothing but the negative, and I start to get really down. Honestly, it's hard to see the positive at times. But when I allow myself to think on nothing but the impossibilities of everything then I take my eyes off of Christ and instead I turn them onto me, and that is never a good place to be. I'll admit, I spend much time on my knees, crying out to God because I have no where else to turn, and no one else upon whom I can throw all of my struggles. When I finish praying I try to think of the positives, or the "roses." When I think about that I realize that there are so many more roses than thorns. A few of those roses are the fact that God has given me a wonderful Christian man, who wants to serve God with all of his heart. Another major rose is that as of right now my family very much approves of Jason, and his family likes me too! Also, just by looking back on everything I can see how much God has worked in everything, and how He has continually guided us.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe life is hard and rough, and those thorns might try to prick you, but if you take a moment to consider all the roses that God has and is giving, then everything will look brighter!

Prayer

Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

One of the main things that God has really been working on my heart about lately is the matter of Prayer. In the past few months I've had a lot of unexpected things come into my life. Not necessarily bad changes, actually the main change has been Jason, which is a VERY good change. However, these few months have shown me just how badly I need to rely more and more on God. I've had a lot of struggles with various things in our relationship and at times I wish there was someone to whom I could talk to that would understand, but really, I don't know anyone that knows what it's like for me. I was getting pretty down down about it, and I even sent mom several emails about it. She tried her best to help me, but even she doesn't totally understand.

Earlier this week I was on the verge of despair, needing to get everything off my chest, but I had no one to turn to. Finally, I realized that I could tell Jesus, and so I did. For almost an hour one day I spent time just telling Him everything that was on my heart and mind. All the things that I could tell no one I knew I could tell Him. I shed many tears, but when I was done it was like a burden had been lifted off my chest - I felt so much more free. It didn't take long before the devil crept back in and doubts and fears once again began to consume me, but I had learned my lesson, and "Just a little talk with Jesus made it all right" again.

Someone once said, "The distance between an problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor." That's some of the best advice I've ever heard.

Just Pray

I was discouraged when no answer cameSee, I’d prayed for years, and I still saw no change I was ready to give up on my wish coming true But when I prayed that last time, His power broke through.

And prayer is just as big as God isPrayer is just as strong as God is strong Prayer can reach as far as God can reach Don’t ever give up, just pray, just pray Don’t ever give up, just pray.

We have been given a means to the throne Of the One whose potential is yet to be known There is no limit as to what God can do So just keep on praying, He’s listening to you.

~Rodney Griffin

Aaron Williams (December 7, 1972 - June 22, 2007)

"To Where You Are"'

Who can say for certain

Maybe you're still here

I feel you all around me

Your memory, so clear

Deep in the stillness

I can hear you speak

You're still an inspiration

Can it be

That you are mine

Forever love and you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile to know you're there

A breath away not far

To where you are

Are you gently sleeping

Here inside my dream

And isn't faith believing

All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you

Just one beat away

I cherish all you gave me everyday

Cause you are my

Forever love

Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe

And that love will live on

and never leave

Fly me up

To where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile

To know you're there

A breath away not far

To where you are

I know you're there

A breath away not far

To where you are

~Josh Groban

Today is the two year anniversary of the home going of my hero, Aaron Williams. Some of you may know his story, but others of you may not yet know it, so I will at least attempt to explain the type of man he was and what he means/meant to me.

Aaron was born December 7, 1972, I think he was the 4th of 9 children, but don't hold me to that! All of his life he was a jokester! He loved to make people laugh and feel comfortable around him. Aaron was one of the few people who had no enemies!! He was a friend to everyone.

I'm not quite sure of his entire timeline, but I do know that he joined the Marines (sometime when I was pretty little), and HE LOVED HIS COUNTRY! My favorite thing in the world used to be to tease Aaron about being a "Jar Head" in which he would always reply "I'd rather be a jar head than a squid like your dad!"

My mom is Aaron's dad's secretary, I remember the day that the office got the discharge papers from the military for Aaron. I can remember wondering who was going to have to hand those papers to Aaron, I wasn't there when that happened, but I can only imagine the look on Aaron's face when he was given those papers. I know that was one of the hardest things for him over the entire duration of his sickness.

In 2004, shortly after completing special forces training in the Air Force, Aaron was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and told that he had 6 months to live! Thankfully, God gave him to us for 3 more years. Those were years full of sorrow and tears, but also full of laughter and joy.

Throughout those 3 years Aaron had his ups and downs. He had to have surgery and something went wrong when they put his scull back together so his head was sunken in! That didn't bother Aaron, he used to make jokes about his head. He often would forget things, yet another thing that didn't drag him "down in the dumps" he made jokes about that too.

There was never a time when you were with Aaron that you weren't laughing. I have so many memories stored up inside that would take forever to write.

Probably one of my favorites is a phone call I got from him about a month before he died. He was driving to his home in PA after spending several times in IN with his family. I had asked him when I saw him at church the day before to stop by the office on his way out of town to say good bye, he had assured me that he would. Well, he forgot. I really wasn't surprised, or hurt because I knew that most of his short term memory was gone. Several hours later, I was at home when I got a phone call. It was this guy who had a strong Kentucky accent claiming that he had just moved to the Warsaw area and he had a teenage son who went to school with some friend of mine and this son had a huge crush on me and he wanted to take piano lessons from me. I was freaked out! I had NEVER had anything like that happen to me in my life. We spoke for about 5 minutes about how I taught piano lessons and what I required, etc. I finally got him off the phone and immediately called Mom. She calmed me down, and then said not to worry about it. A few minutes later my phone rang again. It was Aaron, laughing hysterically! He had made that whole thing up and had figured that I would figure out his fake accent like I always had before. He had seriously called to say that he had forgotten to say goodbye, so he was calling to say bye. That was the last time I had a coherent conversation with Aaron. From that time on he went down hill REALLY fast, it was about a month after that that he died.

The following month or so was very difficult on Aaron. It included a trip to Mexico, grasping at last straws, hoping that maybe something would work. Finally it was obvious that he was not going to make it. So he came back to Indiana to die.

I remember going to see him soon after he came back. I went into his parents home, and was SHOCKED!! Aaron had always been a strong, physically fit, healthy, big Marine, in fact that is why doctors think he lived as long as he did, because he kept himself healthy. Anyways, he was sitting on a recliner, and he looked awful! He was pale, and weak, and his memory was shot. He didn't even remember a lot of his family members. My family walked in together, Aaron thought my dad was one of his brothers, but other than that he remembered the rest of our names. We spent a few minutes talking, then he some how remembered the whole piano lesson thing! That was amazing, even his family was surprised that he remembered that story. The two of us went back and forth about it for a few minutes, before deciding that I would bring a keyboard in and teach him how to play! :P On the outside I was laughing with Aaron, but on the inside my heart was breaking. I finally had to leave so I gave him a hug (which was the last hug I ever got from him) and went for a walk, I hated seeing him that way!

I think that was on a Friday or Saturday. The following Wednesday we got a phone call from his mom, Aaron wanted to see my family. We went over, and he was in bed, which is where he had been for several days. By this time, he couldn't talk, and he kept his eyes closed for the most part. The only response he would give to someone was to open his eyes, or briefly squeeze a hand. When I walked in the room, death was almost a tangible feeling. My family each took a turn holding Aaron's hand and talking to him for a few minutes. My turn was last. I walked to his side and gently picked up his hand, it was so pale and weak, and clammy. I just stood there for a few minutes, the realization that this was probably the last time I would ever see him on this earth alive was sinking in, and my tears flowed. I told him who I was and he slightly squeezed my hand. After just standing there for a few minutes, I told him that he was my hero and that he was my favorite Jar Head and he always would be, he opened his eyes and squeezed my hand. That squeeze continued for almost 5 minutes, and there was no way I was letting go! That was the last time I saw him alive.

At approximately 12:30 AM on June 22, 2007 Aaron Andrew Williams went home to be with his Lord. He had fought a good fight, he had touched so many lives, and now it was time for him to go home. In his short life, Aaron touched more people than most people who live to 90 touch. He was amazing!

At his funeral so many people came who loved Aaron. Some had met him, others had not, but all were drawn together because in some way Aaron had shown them love, and in return all loved him. I really don't remember much about the viewing and funeral. I do know that he was the first and only dead person that I've ever touched. :) The funeral procession from the church to the cemetery was almost a mile long!

Aaron's life brought so much glory to God, and when it was time for him to go, there was no fear in his heart about dying. He was very peaceful. The tears that I shed were not that he was going to Heaven, but that he was in so much pain, and also that I would be losing a dear, dear friend, and my hero.

I feel so blessed that I knew Aaron for the first 16 years of my life. His memory will live on in my heart forever!

What a craaaazy week!!!

This has been one of the most INSANE weeks of my life!! I'm not even sure where to start, so I guess I'll start at the beginning:
Monday: I had to work in the morning with Wes on the PowerPoint. At times it seems like he wants miracles worked, but I love him to death, and have a hard time telling him that it won't work. I guess I will just have to try to work miracles...lol! In the afternoon I had more advanced training with Rainbow. I had a chiropractor appointment and then a dumb half hour session that is held every Monday night at the chiro's for new patients called "How to stay young for the first 100 years" it was interesting and BORING!

Tuesday: I had a demo at a chiropractors home at 11:00 on Tuesday. I was a little unsure of myself, so I had asked for somebody to go with me on the show. Rob, who is actually the guy who hired me, was assigned to go with me. What was going to happen was he was going to do the show and I was supposed to take notes and pay close attention...pretty much first hand training. We met at the office at 10:30 and got everything together before heading out about quarter til 11. We get to their house and he comes out looking very disheveled. Apparently the doc had no idea about the appointment and his wife was still in bed cuz she wasn't feeling well! Company policy is that both the husband and wife have to be present in order for us to show the machine. UGH! Soooo....we went back to the office. I had some errands to run and then there was more advanced training at 1:00. That went well then I had to work for Wes later in the day.

Wednesday: My demo from Tuesday got rescheduled for Wednesday at 11:00. So once again Rob and I hit the road on our way to the show. This time however the results were quite different. :) Both doc and Mrs. were awake and ready to let us show them the Rainbow. Rob did a great demonstration and had both of them convinced that they needed/wanted a system. However, doc had to open his office at 12:30 so he had to leave, thus we did not get a sale!! :( T'was sad....if there had been 1/2 hour more for us to demo we could have sold them one soooo easily! :( Oh well I guess... There is always training for the Rainbow at 1 that is optional to attend, so I went to that and then had a chiro appointment, and then worked for Wes. Then the day began to get REALLY exciting, let me explain:
My best friend's mom had died the beginning of December. They are missionaries to Italy and she had been buried over there. Faith had just begun her second year of college at Northland Baptist Bible College in WI when Mrs. Pieri was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She got so sick that Faith went home to be with her. Within about three months Mrs. Pieri went home to be with Jesus. Faith did not go back to school, but instead stayed home and helped her family through the hard time. Joseph, who is the Pieri's son (they have 2 children) graduated from high school this year. So the Pieri's came back this summer so Faith and Joseph could both go to Northland, and they had a memorial service on Friday.
So.... we were planning on leaving Thursday morning to drive to Antigo, WI which is where the memorial service was to be held. Well, mom came up with the idea of leaving late Wednesday night so that we could get through Chicago at a decent hour. All well and good, but I still had a LOT of work that I needed to do for Wes, and I had not even begun to pack, on top of that I was exhausted. I finally completely lost it, and just cried for a LOOOOOOONG time!! I was totally overwhelmed! Mom came into my room and held me and let me cry for a while, then she ended up doing most of my packing, cuz I couldn't even think about packing at the time! LOL! We left around 9:00 for Zion, IL which is where the hotel that mom booked for us for the night was. I convinced dad to let me drive through Chicago which was FUN!! We hit some construction, and traffic, but it really wasn't that bad! :) The hotel was really nice and since we didn't have to drive the whole way on Thursday we got to sleep in a little bit! :)
Thursday: We drove through Milwaukee and right outside of it is Menonomee Falls, which is where Falls Baptist Church is, and part of the church is Baptist College of Ministry where several kids from our church have gone to school. Right now two guys from my church are on their singing tour group this summer. They happened to actually be around the entire week, so we got to swing by and see them. :) It was nice. None of us had ever been there before, so we got a tour of the church and classrooms. We also stopped at the Wings as Eagles airplane hangar in Oshkosh, WI. Dad and Mom are going to be putting in an alarm system in August while Samuel is up there for flight camp, so dad needed to check a few things out. I think around 4:00 on Thursday we pulled into Antigo, WI which is where we spent the rest of our time. Probably around 6 or 7 the Pieri's came over and spent the entire evening with us! It was really nice to see them again (the last time we saw them was when they brought Faith to the U.S. for college 2 years ago), but it was hard without Mrs. Pieri.

Friday: The memorial service wasn't until 2:00 so we were able to sleep in, which was WONDERFUL!! Around 10:30 we left so the cleaning people could clean our room. My family ran some errands, but I stayed at the hotel working on the work for Wes. It was nice to get some things accomplished. :) Originally the plans were that we wouldn't see the Pieri's until the service, but plans changed and we ended up meeting them and some of the other family at a restaurant for lunch. It was really nice. The memorial service went really well. There were so many people who were able to give testimony to her VERY close walk with God. There was a lot of praise and glory given to God, and all in all it went really well. Friday evening Bro. Pieri's brother from Michigan stayed in the same hotel that we were in, so the Pieri's came over again and stayed until around 10:00. That was our good-byes to them...it was sad. :( However, they are supposed to be coming to IN sometime in July, so we will get to see them again!! :) :) :) YAY!Saturday: We got up earlier than the 2 days before, but it still wasn't too bad. We were packed and on the road about 8:30. No excitement on the trip home. We got back safe and sound about 6ish.

**********

*****Falls Baptist Church*****

*****Mom at Wings as Eagles*****

*****This was on the floor*****

*****Sorry this is up side down, but its cool*****

*****I'll admit it was tempting*****

*****Me and my bro******

*****Faith and Joseph Pieri*****

*****Bro. Pieri*****

*****Joseph at the funeral dinner*****

*****I was sitting on Angela's lap cuz she decided to sit in my chair!! :-*****

*****Me and Faith...best friends*****

*****Angela and Sasha, they are sisters who were adopted from the Ukraine*****

*****Chicago=traffic*****

*****This cop kinda startled me cuz I thought he was a taxi and then all of a sudden I saw THE cop!!*****

*****This truck had a really funny license plate considering one of my nicknames!!LOL!!*****

*****U.S. Cellular Field, formerly Wrigley Field, where the White Sox play...GOOOO SOX!!!*****

A Special Letter in Memory of David DeKruyter

This is an email that was sent out by the brother of my friend who died on Easter. I thought it was really good and special. It probably won't mean as much to you as it meant to me, but I hope you can see the life that "Duncle Ave" had and the wonderful blessing that he was to me and to others around him.

Dear Family, Friends, and Loved Ones:

I am writing this late Sunday (Easter) night to share the news with you regarding the home-going of my brother, Dave. Some of you may know Dave’s early history; most of you probably do not. David was born three months prematurely on August 29, 1953, causing damage to the retinas of his eyes, resulting in the loss of all sight in the left eye and more than 95% in the right eye. Dave went to a private school in Chicago for two years, and then transferred to the Indiana School for the Blind, where he finished elementary and high school. At age 14 his mother died, and four years later his father and one older sister passed away. From that time, Dave and I lived together for brief periods, and near each other in the Bloomington and Indianapolis areas. When I moved to Hammond, Dave followed. When I pastored in Goshen, Dave became the pianist and organist for our church. After I left Goshen, a Pastor friend of ours in Pekin, Illinois, offered Dave an opportunity to come and be the pianist and organist of Bethel Baptist Church. Dave has been in Pekin, for five years living by himself in a nice high-rise apartment building.

He had been having some health issues, recently, and during a physical a week ago Monday, it was discovered that Dave had cancer of the colon, liver, and lungs. It was not suspicioned that he had this serious a problem, because he could not see the symptoms that a normally sighted person would have seen. He had surgery this past week, in Peoria, Illinois, to remove a section of his bowel and reconnect it, which seemed a success. He was recovering from his surgery, and plans were being made for him to be transferred to a nursing facility in the Indianapolis area upon his release this coming Wednesday, at the earliest. He had expressed his wishes to be close to the family in the remaining days. We were not expecting Dave to improve, and figured he might have only several months, if that long.

My sister, Ann, had been here this past week; staying with Dave, and shuttling back and forth between the hospital and his apartment. Yesterday, Doug and I arrived in Peoria and had a good visit with Dave, Ann, and his pastor. We were hoping to minister to Dave and reassure him. This week had been full of change for him, and he was struggling to adapt. We left about 11pm and went back to the apartment to sleep. At 4:30am he called and asked me to come to the hospital. I told him we would be there in a couple hours, and prayed with him on the phone. Approximately an hour later, Dave called me and said, “John, I don’t know if you remember it, or not; but, Debi went home to heaven on the Lord’s Day.” He meant Sunday, and was not particularly referring to the fact that it was Easter.

I said, “Yes, Dave, I remember that.”

He said, “I want to do that, too.”

I paused for a minute, trying to understand what, exactly, he was saying. I finally said, “Dave, what do you mean……………………………Today?”

He said, “Yes………………will you pray and ask Him if he will take me home today?”

I prayed and relayed his request to his Heavenly Father, asking God to spare Dave further pain and suffering and grant Dave’s request if it were pleasing to Him and in His perfect plan, and would glorify Him.

Dave thanked me and said he wanted to see us soon. I told him we would be there as soon as possible.

Ann had arrived at the hospital before Doug and I got there. When we arrived, his breathing was becoming increasingly labored. We talked to him, but his voice was weak and he seemed so tired, closing his eyes often and his responses getting softer. We began to realize that God was answering his prayer. I called several of Dave’s lifelong friends, and was able to put them on speakerphone and hold it to his ear. With difficulty, they said their goodbyes. Dave’s breathing was slow, but steady; but he was not able to say anything now. The nurses came in and wanted to wash Dave up and change his bed. We excused ourselves and at the nurses’ suggestion went to the cafeteria for a quick bite to eat. At 12:58pm we came to the door of Dave’s room. The nurse said to come in quickly; that his vital signs were fading fast. I looked at Dave and his eyes were wide open, looking up, as if startled from sleep. I said, “He looks so alert.” As we walked around the bed to his side, I looked up at the monitors. At that moment they all flat-lined, and then the alarm sounded. I looked down at Dave and realized what he must have been seeing. It was 1:00pm on the Lord’s Day. Just as Dave had requested.

Dave no longer uses a blind person’s cane, or strong flashlights to read, or magnifiers to see. The operation that he so often prayed for, is complete. Now, he sees better than you and I see. Now, he sees the face of his dear Savior. Now he knows, even as he is known. Dave knew that he would be preceding us by only a little while. By only a moment, really. He knew that the dead in Christ would rise first, and then we which are alive and remain would be taken up. Don’t weep for Dave. We weep for ourselves and the loss we feel. If you are saved, your entry into Glory will be just as glorious as Dave’s. That’s what Dave would want. And that’s what the Savior wanted when He went to the Cross two thousand years ago and shed His blood for your sins. You are not your own, you are bought with a price. If you are honest, you will give Jesus what he paid for. YOU!

Dave’s Graduation Service will be at Bethel Baptist Church in Pekin, IL, this coming Saturday at 1pm Pekin time, (2pm Indiana time) with visitation two hours prior to the service. Other necessary details will be sent out as soon as available.

And, finally, we rejoice in the Lord, for His faithfulness, and the opportunity to grow in compassion through tribulation; that we may be able to minister to others, as is stated in 2 Cor. 1.

3 ¶ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Thank you all for your love and involvement in David’s life and ours.

For my brother,

John DeKruyter

Oh the joys of my life! I could go on and on! The reason I didn't post yesterday was because my internet was being funky! It is driving me nuts! I can't get onto the internet in the dorms, neither can most of the other girls. :( GRRRRRR!!!!! I have to go elsewhere on campus to be able to get online. It's very frustrating.
Yesterday was kinda boring. Nothing exciting happened in classes. It is spirit week, and yesterday's theme was blue and gold, which are our school colors. I didn't do anything for it cuz I really don't like gold, so as a result I don't own anything that is gold. I had to work like normal. After work I had some homework to do, and then I took a nap. It lasted a little bit longer than I was intending, like and hour in a half! YIKES! I guess I needed the sleep. It was wonderful.
Today was Western Day. I did wear a plaid shirt, denim skirt, boots, and had my roommate braid my hair. Yes, my hair really was up today! Shocking, I know! I got pictures, just to prove to those of you who know how much I HATE putting my hair up, that I actually did the cursed deed! :)
I played my cello in chapel today, I played "To God be the Glory." by Fanny Crosby. I picked that song on purpose because three years ago today I gave my life to Jesus, and WOW has He changed my life! :)

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Just in case you are wondering, I managed to make it through the entire piece without harming myself or others! YAY! As I was setting up to play Bro. Randall made some announcement, then he got off the platform, guess he was a little bit nervous! He's got a nice red bump on his head! Poor guy! I do feel really bad, but I also think it is really funny! I guess I can't believe it happened. Sometime last semester, I can't remember if it was in a sermon that he preached, or if it was in a Sunday School lesson, he said that some students come and go and nobody really remembers them. Other come and leave a mark, some good and some bad. At the time that he said that I wondered if I'd leave a mark, well now I know! I wasn't planning on leaving a bad mark, but I sure managed to do leave one quite well! I'm sure he won't be forgetting me for a long time, although he will probably want to forget me. :) :)

I have lots of studying to do today. I have 2 tests and 2 quizzes tomorrow! YIKES!! Pray for me! I normally work on Tuesdays, so I would've been really pressed for time, but tomorrow night is the Valentine's banquet, and I'm not going, but one of the other girls is, and she normally works Wednesdays, but not Tuesdays so she asked to switch days with me. I was more than happy to swap!