We have a new term for Sunday mornings around here - "Oma Church." We've had a great few days with Oma's brother, sister-in-law & niece, Will, Val & Laura here and Anja all the way from Holland as well. Our weekends have been filled with visits from Oma's grandkids and great-grandkids from all different states, too! Oma's been doing so much better and we're so thankful to have her "back" mentally for whatever time we can get her. We know that part is temporary, but we're thankful for the steroids and how much better she has been.
This morning we had "Oma Church" and we all truly feel like we're standing on holy ground and getting a glimpse of heaven - just for that brief moment in time. God's been so good to us. Brad reminded us this morning that faith is greater than fear and the most often repeated commandment in scripture is "Do not fear." Because of Jesus, we don't need to fear, even on the hardest of days. Oma stopped in the middle of the service and said, "I can't explain the overwhelming peace that I feel in my soul. Peace that only God can give and I'm so thankful and so thankful for all of you." What an extravagant gift - peace that passes all understanding in the midst of even the greatest trial, thank you Jesus!
To be part of a family that celebrates, grieves, rejoices, worships and prays through suffering together is something that we don't take for granted. To be able to take the space with our little ones, our spouses, our parents and our incredible Oma; 4 generations worshipping as a family leaves us overwhelmingly grateful today.
We sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" again today and the verse that hit me today was "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside." We were able to have strength for today and we are filled with hope tomorrow because He lives. Tomorrow is Oma's appointment with the oncologist for staging of the cancer and a treatment plan. We covet your prayers as we face what tomorrow might bring and look ahead to what the Lord has for us and for Oma's coming days. We will update you as we know more and are so grateful for your never ending words of encouragement and love for Oma and our family. She's been so thankful for each of your prayers and messages, keep them coming!
This is sooooo beautiful . I am soooooo happy that you all could be together. I just love the pictures and knowing that uncle willie and auntie val and laura could be with you all. I can't remember the last time I was able to see dear cousin laura and love her so much. What a blessed day for ALL!! sending love and continued prayers...
ReplyDeleteAuntie Anna Mae,
ReplyDeleteYou’ve chosen well, daily saying yes to Jesus in your marriage and family life. Truly your children rise up and call you blessed. Where two or more gather in my name there I am in your midst. Father let your kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, let your kingdom be manifest in Auntie Anna Mae’s life today. We declare you as our healer, our peace, our hope. We say no to cancer in Jesus name, and speak strength to Auntie.
It’s hard to understand how I could feel so deeply about someone I have met so few times. I still live in McFarland where Pete Van Dam, Barb and Brad and worshipped together. Pete and I sang together. Ray is a sweet Friend. Anna Mae and I have prayed together via Face Book. For all it’s faults, FB let me renew friendship with Anna Mae and for that I’m so thankful! This family is special in every way but the way that counts most is their walking day by day faith in our Lord. Heaven is no threat for you dear Anna Mae...but, I know to be surrounded by such love on earth is like Glory. But, as you have said, your time is in His hands and for however long that is determined to be, you will have my prayers of love, faith and thanksgiving for your life so well-lived and loved! Your friend, Debbie Shick
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ReplyDeleteMy dear cousin Lorraine, I wish I could have been able to spend time with you too. But it was so awesome to spend time with our other cousins (firsts, seconds, and thirds)...and Tante too. I so enjoyed the time I had with her and rejoyced in the fact that she is at peace with God's plan for her. I think it gives us all peace...and I am pretty sure that is HER plan as well. Love you as I do all my family.
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