The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
- Lamentations 3:22-23
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
- Lamentations 3:22-23
One year ago today, November 22, 2008, was the last day I spent with Ernie. He went home to be with the Lord at about 4:20 a.m. of November 23.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the first anniversary of his "homegoing."
My original plan was to write a post after the celebration tomorrow, probably just before the day ended. But something stirred in my heart when I visited Sita's blog where she had posted a very moving song, one that I never heard before.
It stirred me to write this post tonight, to express my thanksgiving to my heavenly Father for how He had taken such good care of me for a whole year!
I can't believe twelve months have gone by already.
Truly there are many specific things I want to thank Him for...but the list would be too long to fit in a blog post.
Suffice it to say that His mercies have indeed been new every morning!
...His joy has been real.
...His provision has been more than enough.
...His strength never failed me.
...His mercy and grace have been my constant companions.
...He has been my Anchor, my Lighthouse, my Rock.
...My song in the night.
...He has kept hope alive in my heart!
"Fear not, you are Mine," I have heard Him whisper to me countless times.
"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” These words of Moses to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:8 have proven real to me this whole year.
I cannot thank You enough, my dear heavenly Father. You have been good to me. Your comfort is real, Your promises are true!
Below are a couple of pictures of Ernie and me taken on January 19, 2008. Our friends took us to Doi Inthanon, located in the Northern part of Thailand. It is the highest spot in Thailand, and in January, it was very cold.
One year after his passing away, memories of Ernie's love and kindness continue to warm my heart.
I'm posting these pictures on today's post, to share them with our friends and family.
And as a fitting tribute to God's goodness, I want to post this video of the song Testify to Love, as sung by Wynonna Judd.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the first anniversary of his "homegoing."
My original plan was to write a post after the celebration tomorrow, probably just before the day ended. But something stirred in my heart when I visited Sita's blog where she had posted a very moving song, one that I never heard before.
It stirred me to write this post tonight, to express my thanksgiving to my heavenly Father for how He had taken such good care of me for a whole year!
I can't believe twelve months have gone by already.
Truly there are many specific things I want to thank Him for...but the list would be too long to fit in a blog post.
Suffice it to say that His mercies have indeed been new every morning!
...His joy has been real.
...His provision has been more than enough.
...His strength never failed me.
...His mercy and grace have been my constant companions.
...He has been my Anchor, my Lighthouse, my Rock.
...My song in the night.
...He has kept hope alive in my heart!
"Fear not, you are Mine," I have heard Him whisper to me countless times.
"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” These words of Moses to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:8 have proven real to me this whole year.
I cannot thank You enough, my dear heavenly Father. You have been good to me. Your comfort is real, Your promises are true!
Below are a couple of pictures of Ernie and me taken on January 19, 2008. Our friends took us to Doi Inthanon, located in the Northern part of Thailand. It is the highest spot in Thailand, and in January, it was very cold.
One year after his passing away, memories of Ernie's love and kindness continue to warm my heart.
I'm posting these pictures on today's post, to share them with our friends and family.
And as a fitting tribute to God's goodness, I want to post this video of the song Testify to Love, as sung by Wynonna Judd.
TESTIFY TO LOVE
All the colors of the rainbow
All the voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
Reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation
Lives to testify
Chorus:
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences
When words are not enough
With every breath I take
I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the seas
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step of kingdom come
All the hope in every heart
Will speak what love has done
All the voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
Reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation
Lives to testify
Chorus:
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences
When words are not enough
With every breath I take
I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the seas
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step of kingdom come
All the hope in every heart
Will speak what love has done
Lyrics and music by Paul Field, Henk Pool, Ralph Van Manen, and Robert Riekerk. 1996 Windswept Music/MCA Holland.
22 comments:
Dear Lidj,
How like God to lead you to this song. In many ways, it does not seem to have the words that are usually given in circumstances surrounding death, but in that episode of Touched By An Angel, with our hearts sliced right open as a child was taken up to heaven, there was no doubt that the words were just the healing , comfort needed. We bawled even as we rejoiced--bitter-sweet-- and God just filled my heart with His Presence and His love overwhelmed me as it did many.
I thank God you have such wonderful memories and a comfort that now overflows to all you touch. Today I was in the prayer room at my church and remembered Beth Moore reminding us that words used in Scripture are never wasted in reference to the body being the temple of the Spirit. In the OT, when God's temple was consecrated, His glory filled the temple. Today, I laid aside any concerns, any requests, and tears poured as I cried, "God, fill this temple of Yours with Your glory..."
Lidj, may you be filled with His glory this day.
Love, Thoughts and Prayers,
Sita
Dear Lidj,
It is always uplifting to read your blogs, even when you are mourning.
I know your sorrow, your want and the emptiness after your husband Ernie's passing are endless.
Somehow you have been able to count your blessings instead of dwelling by the sadness. I know there often have been tears, but tears have a healing effect. Whats' remarkable is the you don't seem to carry any bitterness in your relation with God.
I tend to ask so many whys.. I have learned a lot of the way you are dealing with your loss. Cherishing the time and love you shared, and today thanking God from a honest heart for the the that has passed.
I will remember you in prayer tomorrow, that you still may be strengthened and blessed.
From Felisol/Elise
Lidj,
This is such a wonderful testimony of God's enduring love and faithfulness to you during this most difficult of times.
I've always liked that song and it's such a fitting tribute to the love that you and Ernie shared and the love of our Lord for us.
I thank you for being so honest in your posts throughout this year, for sharing your pain and your praise.
I'm praying for you as you relive that last day, that you may once again feel God's loving arms around you and are able to feel the joy for Ernie's "homegoing" along with the pain of missing him.
Love - Mari
Thank you for sharing your innermost feelings, Lidj.
I'm glad you've felt God's Comfort and His Blessings throughout this year.
I've always thought about when one spouse loses another, that all the love is still there, and what does one do with all that love if they have no Faith? It is a Blessing to have that Faith in God and to know that our loved ones are sharing a new life in Him.
Have a Blessed Anniversary, Lidj.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
1Cor.13:13 -"There are three things that will endure ~ faith, hope and love ~ and the greatest of these is love."
Sister Lidj, you have discovered what true love means...There is no loss easy to bear but there is no loss too big for the Lord to be filled with His amazing love...May all those wonderful, loving memories with your husband comfort you, along with His mighty love.
When my mom passed away in 2000, my father was so depressed, them being so close with each other. Then, he opened his heart to the Lord and that was what sustained him and made him remain joyful despite that difficult ordeal he had to go through on his own [us, kids, being miles away from him]. Until he went home to be with the Lord 2 years ago.
I praise God for His comfort, love and grace.
God bless you and keep you always.
You all make an adorable couple... Ernie was a gem of a man; his kind eyes speak a language all their own. I look forward to meeting him in heaven one day.
I remember the first time I heard this song by Wynonna--a "touched by an angel" episode several years ago. I remember it ripping my heart out then; still does.
God's peace to you as you remember Ernie's witness in your life.
peace~elaine
Lidj, I can't beleive its been a year either. But I can beleive how God has keep you and watched over you,guiding you how to fill your life now . My tears fall as I write this for having been there as well I understand where you are in this life.
God is faithful and oh what a friend & provider ... I can't wait to meet you someday. even thought it may be when we have made it home eternely.
May God give you a joy that the world does not understand and yes even you.
Love in Jesus.
Elsie <><
Lidj....
I am so glad that the Lord has held you so close a year after your husband's home going...
I LOVE that song... heard it first on 'Touched By An Angel' as well, and since then I am in love with it.
May the Lord be with you forevermore.
Lidi,
God is so wonderful in HIS divine way HE reaches down and comforts our souls.
My mother went to be with Jesus on Oct. 8 of this year. The Lord allowed me to know she is indeed in a better place. HE has assured me when I leave this earth I will see her again in Heaven.
Ernie seems so gentle and kind. You are a blessed woman. God is with you now and forever. Your memory of Ernie lives also in your heart forever. Thank you my friend for sharing your heart with me today.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you (as I know HE will).
Also wanted you to know I live very close to Myrtle Beach. My family loves the ocean. It is one of our favorite places to visit.
Keeping you in my prayers.
God bless you.
Bren
Dear Lidj,
My husband has been out of the country for 10 days, and by the end of those 10 days, I so miss the way I share my heart with him, feel so blessed that he knows the entire me and loves me, appreciates my little jokes. He'll laugh at me, cry with me, pray with me - after 10 days I so miss my other half - his smile,his humor, his wisdom, the balance he provides.
I grieve for your loss, Lidj, but I so rejoice that your husband is at home. I've told my sons and my husband, that when I go home to be with the Lord, I want rejoicing - celebrating that I have achieved the goal I have worked towards all my life.
However, sometimes the missing part is so lonely.
I pray celebration, rejoicing in the memories God gave you, and I pray comfort that is beyond understanding.
I so admire that you forge boldly ahead into Christ's mission field - God doesn't want us to fold up our tent and leave - He wants us to bodly go forward, with the joy of the Lord in our hearts,- too many do not! I would think that your passion for letting others know about the Love of Jesus is a tribute to your husband and the relationship you had!
Thank you Lidj for listening to God's call!
Maryleigh
I love that song, Lidj! Avalon has a version of it, too--uplifting! It's hard to believe it's been only a year. You are so strong, so brave in your posts, I keep thinking it's been longer. You are truly evidence that through God, all things are possible. Keep the faith, dear sister! We are on mission with Him, testifying to His love until He takes us all home!
What a sweet post honoring your love for your husband. I love the pictures of both of you. He looks like a very kind man. And, you look so happy. I am lifting you up in prayer tonight asking the Lord to continue to bring you comfort and peace throughout this week. It is so true that His mercies are new every morning and He is so faithful!! God Bless you as you look to Him to be your everything! :)
Love, Christy
Lidj,
You have such a sweet heart and I'm praying for you today. Lovingly, Yolanda
It is so wonderful to read your testimony of His faithfulness! (And I love that first picture of the two of you together.)
((((hugs)))) And thank you, dear Father, for Your faithfulness to precious Lidj!
Big Hugs to you my friend on this day.
You are a testimony of what a relationship with our Lord is all about. His light shines in you.
God Bless you sister.
My dear sweet friend....
The beauty is emerging from the ashes. It is absolutely stunning. To see your heart displayed through sorrow and joy, it is that picture in Mark where Jesus tells the disciples "you will mourn and grieve while the world rejoices"... "but I will come again and you will have a joy that no man can take away." (my paraphrase)...
I've come to discover that joy is finding Jesus to be enough in the midst of sorrow, hardship, pain, suffering, difficulties.
I see His heart emerging in it's beauty... in you...
Much love,
Julie
Oh Lidj:
Sweet Woman of God! How did I miss this in the past 5 months of our blogging together..... either that or my memory is going for sure!
You and I share this bond too! I am deeply moved today because I know what that first anniversary is like.
I know full well the faithfulness of our God! He is Jehovah-Jireh!
I was so blessed by the end of my husband's life before the Lord took Him to glory! I hope that you too can celebrate Ernie's life and love for the Lord. I often say that God takes some home early as the reward of His goodness!
My heart remembers with you my friend. The memories are sweet but the reunion in heaven will be greater - because JESUS will be there too!
My prayers are with you now...
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
Lidj what a beautiful testimony to the faithfulness of God.
It is such a blessing to know that even as you mourn Ernie's passing, you have the assurance of God being with you.
May His loving arms continue to encircle and envelop you.
Blessings,
Vickie
oh crown of beauty..i had not visited your blog yesterday because i knew that you would be celebrating your sweetheart's life on the 23rd and so i thought you would not be here and that i would see your post today of how everything went.
even though i never visited, i thought of you throughout the day and thought about the happy albeit sad moments that you and first born, obedient one, worshiper, god given and forerunner would be experiencing first hand and of all the other relatives and friends., and what they were feeling...
I enjoyed this post so much.
it is like a wonderful love story, and you are a beautiful lady to have shared it with us crown of beauty.
i will look forward to your next post.
we all love you...love terry
ps ..i must tell you again, crown of beauty...how i bless the day that felisol did ever introduce you to me!
May the lord flood your heart and soul with His peace and comfort
Lidj truely God does go before us when we are his . I have not ceased to be amazed since my Bill died at how I have seen this.
I cannot thank him enough.
Come over to my blog and see the beauty of the white driven snow he sent to my home today. it fills me with peace and a stillness in my soul. How like my heavenly father.
WELCOME HOME!
I remembered that you were coming back on the 8th but I was waiting to hear from you.
I know that coming home to your house without someone to greet you is hard - especially after a long trip. Sometimes you just want someone there to welcome you home and be able to share about your trip - but as widows we don't have that luxury any longer.
So I'll welcome you home!
Thank you for praying for Lidia. I am so happy to know that your name is the same. Interesting all the different spellings of that name. In English it is Lydia but in Spanish it is Lidia.
I look forward to hearing more about your trip and all that God accomplished through you then.
REST well my friend!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
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