It is Not Death to Die

This is a wonderful song that tells of the hope we have in Christ when a loved one goes into eternity before us. Nathan and I performed this the Sunday before Jed's 10th death anniversary and Blane Jr. recorded and edited it for us today!

Read the words as you listen:

VERSE 1 It is not death to die

To leave this weary road

And join the saints who dwell on high 

Who’ve found their home with God

It is not death to close

The eyes long dimmed by tears

And wake in joy before Your throne 

Delivered from our fears

CHORUS 

O Jesus, conquering the grave

Your precious blood has power to save 

Those who trust in You

Will in Your mercy find

That it is not death to die

VERSE 2 

It is not death to fling 

Aside this earthly dust

And rise with strong and noble wing 

To live among the just

It is not death to hear

The key unlock the door

That sets us free from mortal years 

To praise You evermore

Praise to the Lord that death is not the end!

Ten Long Years...

Today, Tuesday, September 25th, 2012, is 10 years since my brother Jed left this life and began to truly live, on the other side of eternity.

Somehow it seems like a lifetime ago, but in another way, it could've been yesterday. I still don't understand why Jed only had 14 years and it's hard. But, I know God is good and I learn more and more each day to rest in His sovereign plan. I know I'll see Jed when I leave here and go where he is and then we'll have eternity to spend enjoying each other in perfect joy and happiness!

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment."

Revelation 21:1-6 ESV

And now, enjoy some pictures!

Sweet, sweet Jed.

Also, I rediscovered these pictures of when we first began work on Jed's Memory Garden. It is incredible!

That was then...this is more recent.

And here is a new project in progress. An outdoor eating/living space.

And for this anniversary, we got a rabbit statue...

and three fish!

Happy 24th Birthday Jed!

Well, here it is, another birthday for Jed. He loved his birthday parties. His favorite people gathered 'round, cake and goodies to eat, and presents to be opened. (he loved to tear paper!)

These are pictures from Jed's 13th birthday, the last one in Florida. The guests were Ema and Epa (my dad's parents, Lonnie and JoAnne (next door neighbors), Peggy and Karen (mom's sisters) and Jamie (Jed's crazy friend and co-adventurer).

 Lonnie always cracked Jed up!

 He was a funny man!

 Epa and Jed. I don't think Jed could stop grinning!

Jamie got Jed some sunglasses...I think he liked them : )

Loved pulling off the bows!

Lonnie and JoAnne brought the cake. Chocolate, Jed's favorite, and garnet and gold for the FSU Seminoles.

It was such a fun time...we will all be so happy when we can celebrate with him again one day!