CLN

My Grandma passed away last Saturday, rather suddenly. She had been getting older and dealing with all that comes with age, but there was no reason to suspect her time was near. I sadly wasn't able to go to the funeral, being only 2 weeks from my due date. I wish I could be with those that knew her best; to hear the stories and hold them close to my heart. But I'm not and that's ok--I have plenty of wonderful memories of my own.
It's kind of an odd thing, to be in mourning for someone you know you will see again. She was a dear lady--a strong Christian woman with an incredible relationship with the Lord. While those of us that are left miss her dearly, its incredible to think about her life in Heaven. I can't even imagine the crowds of people that were waiting to welcome her home, not to mention the utter joy she felt at being in the presence of God. I imagine she had a HUGE crown waiting for her at the pearly gates as she was a woman that truly understood the concept of storing up treasures in Heaven. At her funeral the pastor said something along the lines of "I would hate to get to Heaven and face Corky without having preached the Gospel message at her funeral." To which the only thing it say is AMEN! Grandma was unashamed of the gift God had given her and shared it with those Jesus brought into her life. (Lord give me the strength to do the same!)
Perhaps the most incredible part of this entire experience has been the overwhelming display of how faithful God is to his children. Over and over this past week I have had to marvel at God's perfect plan. Simple things like Grandma getting to see her younger brother the week before she passed--they were very close and while I'm sure she would have liked to see her other brother as well, it was a special blessing that Uncle Len was there. Simple things like my mother being there when Grandma passed away--she had gone just for a visit and ended up being there to usher her into the arms of Jesus. Otherwise there would have been no family there. Simple things like my sister and baby Patrick coming for the funeral and then to Idaho for a week--we didn't think there was any chance for them to make it to Idaho this year and now I get to look forward to meeting my nephew! Now we're placing the birth of baby girl in God's hands too--if she comes a week early, then her aunt will get to meet her before she leaves.
Thank you Jesus for the life of CLN. She was a huge influence in my life and her death will not change that. I rejoice that I will see her again, even though I miss her now. What an incredible, beautiful problem to have...