"Death is swallowed up in victory"

On Friday afternoon, my grandmother passed away peacefully with 4 of her 6 children around her singing "It is Well." She has had cancer for many years, but due to a change in one of her treatments, she rapidly declined in the last two weeks. My family and I were amazingly blessed to be able to be in New Hampshire with her for her last few days. Although we weren't able to be with her on Friday, she was surrounded by ones she loved.

Both my grandparents lived outstanding lives. They were first generation believers who moved away from all they knew in there first years together to be missionaries in Japan. My grandpa then became a pastor for many years and after that a leader of a bible conference. Their lives and there love for their Savior has effected hundreds and hundreds of lives.  

My grandpa and grandma had 6 kids that they raised with grace and joy. God used their lives to bless and pass on a faith  and love for God to my dad which has incredibly blessed my life.  I've learned so much from both my grandma and grandpa and desire to be like them in so many ways. Watching there faith and joy in their Lord even through the toughest of times is so incredible.

Although there is much sorrow and they are both greatly missed, there is a beautiful hope and peace knowing that they are in a far greater place. They both ran the race and finished well. My grandma is now standing in the presence of her Savior. I can't help but rejoice in at the thought of her being with her Lord and united once again with my grandpa. Most of my tears over the last couple days have been tears of joy at the thought of my grandma in heaven, in complete joy and in praise of her father!

 " I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

Thanks to so many of you for prayers. God has been so good and faithful to our family.

Currently Reading Piercing the Darkness By Frank E. Peretti see related

I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

-That was a favorite hymn of my dads when he was young. We were just talking about it tonight. I love it. So encouraging right now.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10

-This was one of my mom's favorite verses when she was young and up until to this day. I was also reminded of it today. What an incredible promise that is. It truly takes away my fears and gives me comfort.  

My Dad, Mom, brothers and sisters are simply amazing! Such an constant joy to me!

--

Well we're leaving tomorrow to go to Michigan for a week. We're out visiting all my mommy-dears side of the family for Thanksgiving. We have so much fun with them, I can't wait. We're actually staying in a mansion...long story but seems pretty cool. I'll have to tell ya'll about it.

Well I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Have a great Thanksgiving!

So much going on in life right now! I've been thinking a lot lately about our God and Savior who overcomes all our shortcomings and is sufficient for every need! How no matter what comes into my life, no matter what happens, God's grace has always been and always will be completely sufficient and satisfying. He has blessed me and my family so much, I can't help being in awe of Him! I couldn't even begin to recount the ways that He has knit together everything in our lives so perfectly. I've never been so in awe of his constant grace and faithfulness. It truly amazes me. I feel like God is just drawing each person in my family in a distinct way closer to Him. I am so thankful for His word, for songs to worship Him, for books and stories that draw me closer to Him, for prayer and the peace it gives me, for long conversations, for family friends who care for and encourage my family and I continually, for an all-knowing and sovereign God who has an amazing plan for my life, that far exceeds any plans I could have ever conceived of myself….and also for coffee drives with my dad and coloring pilgrims and Indians with my little brother and sister. God blesses in small and huge ways! All of which point back to his life, death and resurrection for each one of us! His amazing grace, love, and faithfulness amazes me, one, because I truly don’t deserve it, but above all because points me back to Him and His holyness and greatness…everything that He has given and done for me, gives me faith and joy to live a life seeking to glorify Him, and though I often fail He never does! I could go on for a long while…so many thoughts right now. He is truly amazing…I can’t believe His has blessed me so much!

"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." --Psalm 73:25-26

“Season by season, I watch Him amazed, in awe of the mystery of His perfect ways. All I have need of His hand will provide, Hes always been faithful to me.”--Sara Groves

"Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise...Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

“Oh praise Him!
Oh praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy!

Hallelujah,
Hallelujah,
He is Holy,
He is Holy.” –David Crowder Band

"Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee. How great thou art, How great thou art!"

And though I cannot see You And I can't explain why Such a deep, deep reassurance You've placed in my life We cannot separate 'Cause You're part of me And though You're invisible I'll trust the unseen   So I'll hold tight to what I know You're here and I’m never alone   ~   Though Satan should buffet, Though trials should come, Let this blessed assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well with my soul!   ~   I will give thanks to you, O LORD among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted O God above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! Psalm 108:3-5  - Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26       Those were some things that I’ve had on heart the last couple days and thought I’d share with ya’ll. - All I can say is that I'm in awe of God's amazing grace and mercy. He is always been faithful, and because of His amazing good news I can trust in His unseen hand working in my life. I wish I had better words to express my thankfulness to Him for ALL that Hes given me.     These people are amazing! That make me so happy!         Adam: "Big game tonight, Mets vs. St. Louis.." Grant: "...is St. Louis the guy who wrote Narnia?" Haha, I thought that was so funny.

This is one of my new favorite songs. I am brought to tears almost every time I sing it. I am so amazed by this selfless love shown! This incredible God, that has created the universe, painted the skies, and given every good thing, loves me enough to cover my sin and and bare the wrath, that I may live! I am in awe of my great God!

Oh to see the dawn
Of the darkest day;
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

This the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as it's Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two;
Dead are raised to life;
Finished! the victory cry.

This the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This the power of the cross:
Son of God, slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Vacation is still great. So many fun memories. I'm so thankful for fun, friends and fellowship....and fish, and french fries, and frogs and fe...well the first three f's were enough. I really am though! God is so good!!!

Hope ya'll are doin' super.