Advent -- HOPE

As we begin this advent season, I am reminded of the following post that Sara wrote.

At our chuch service this morning we had a portrayl done by "Joseph" reminding us as we begin this first Sunday of advent, that because Joseph and Mary said yes to God so many years ago , we can have HOPE.  Blessings to each of you during this advent season.

Reposted from December 13, 2010

“You gotta just try to do every thing you can, when it’s your time to do it.”

I was watching Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, who is from a small Iowa town not far from me, receive the esteemed Medal of Honor for bravery shown in active duty. Sal had told President Obama that he was just doing his job, and following advice he had gotten when he first became a soldier.

During his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, his Team Leader said to him:

“You gotta just try to do everything you can, when it’s your time to do it.”

It struck me as the most profoundly simple statement. And while I’m sure it is essential advice for a battlefield, it also occurred to me it’s advice that works in every circumstance for every person trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

And those of his parents.

I am thinking of Mary, frightened and scared, not knowing what to make of this angel standing before her. But she said yes. She did what she could when it was her time to be asked.

And Joseph. Being asked to marry a woman who was pregnant – and not with his child. He was being asked to sacrifice his life and all he had been taught… and he said yes. He did everything he could when it was his time to be asked.

They did their duty. They traveled for the census to be counted. They continually did the next right thing – not because they were promised riches or status or rewards. They traveled, they suffered in a stable to bring a baby into the world without any idea of how they were going to manage next. But they did everything they could, because it was their time to do it.



I hear the story so many times that I begin to assume they knew what the end result of their sacrifices would be. Sometimes I lull myself into thinking I would have made those sacrifices if it meant the Savior of the world could come to do His work.

But then I remember that Mary and Joseph knew no such thing. They knew no more of their future than we do. They didn’t know Jesus would get lost in a temple. They didn’t know he would turn water into wine and heal the sick and bring sight to the blind. They didn’t know their precious baby boy would be beaten and ridiculed and hung on a cross.

They were simply doing everything they could, when it was their time to do it.

It pierces me. It pierces me to know they simply said yes because it was the right thing to do. It pierces me that I, in this life, have so many chances to say yes. It pierces me that every moment of my life could be my time to do everything I can. I may not change the world, but I might change a life. I might be called with an urging in my spirit, and if I choose not to pay attention and act on it, I might miss my moment.

My time to do what I can.

That’s what I am thinking about this Christmas. I’m always overwhelmed and grateful that Jesus came to this world as a baby to save me – thousands of years later – a simple soul not unlike any other.

But this year, I’m wondering how I can be more like Mary and Joseph. How I can do everything I can… now… when it’s my time to do it.

Will you take that challenge with me? Will you look beyond the celebrations and the wrappings and the carols we hum as we busy about our lives – and pay close attention to the little details in the lives of those around you?

Because you never know when it may be your time to do everything you can.

Celebrate Them.



As we enter the month of November remembering all that we have to be thankful for, I want to share my heart with each of you.
 

"We came into this world with nothing. We will leave this world with nothing. What you give, lasts forever."
 

That was Pastor Vick's message on Sunday. All Saint's day Sunday. And as I listened and reflected on his message, my mind and heart went immediately to Dad and Sara.
 

I celebrate them, all they gave... and as Pastor Vick reminded me, all they continue to give, which will last forever!
 

They loved life and it loved them back...celebrate their passion.

They listened to their heart above all other voices...celebrate their wisdom.

They saw every ending as a new beginning...celebrate their resiliency.

They turned their can'ts into cans and their dreams into plans...celebrate their goals.

They had a way of turning obstacles into opportunities...celebrate their magic.

They went out on a limb, had it break off, and discovered they could fly...celebrate their faith.

They added so much beauty to being human...celebrate their presence.

They had a way of brightening the day...celebrate their radiance.

They made the whole world feel like home...celebrate their warmth.

They decided to enjoy more and endure less...celebrate their choices.

They decided to live the life they imagined...celebrate their freedom.

They colored their thoughts with only the brightest hues...celebrate their optimism.

They ran ahead where there were no paths...celebrate their bravery

They held their head high and looked the world straight in the eye...celebrate their strength.

They not only saw light at the end of the tunnel, they became light for others...celebrate their compassion.

They designed a life they loved...celebrate their JOY.

They made the world a better place...celebrate them.
 



They must have been something special. They were. Celebrate them.

~Adapted from the book She by Kobi Yamada

Friendship

Sara treasured each of you. Sara treasured your friendships.

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." 

~Proverbs 11:14

It is so humbling to read all of your comments and e-mails about our sweet Sara. How she provided guidance and comfort to you personally, in a way only Sara knew how. Please know how much we, Sara's family, treasure your stories. Through your stories, there is a presence of Sara and that is so comforting.

What we want you to remember today, is the gift of friendship you gave to Sara. Your friendship provided guidance and comfort to her. When I reflect on Sara's illness and the last several years that she was not able to leave the four walls of her home, I turn to a place of gratitude. Gratitude for the friendships she found in each of you.

You helped Sara live life. You gave her hope and a reason for being. You gave her a purpose for getting up in the morning. You helped fill her heart with love and joy. For that, we are eternally grateful!

As I was reading through your comments, one of you reminded me of something Sara said. "...if I am still on this earth, it means He has intended for me to do something more. If I didn't have something more to do, He would reward me by taking me home to Him." God has plans for each of us and I believe that not only was her plan to make a difference in your life, but it was for you to also gift Sara. Gift her with your community, your friendships, your love.

Sara lived the plan He had for her with open arms, with an open heart, with joy. What I believe God and Sara would want from us, is to continue living the plan that we are here to accomplish.   Take what we learned from them and continue walking our faith journey with open arms, an open heart, with joy.

Sara trusted God and knew that whatever reason He had for her to live the life she was given, there was a purpose. She trusted that He had the bigger picture and she stepped forward in faith by living the life that was in front of her. I am going to make sure the pain and suffering as well as the love and joy she experienced to live the life that was in front of her, was not in vain. I am going to make sure that her purpose, her wisdom, her gift of teaching and modeling for us is carried on through my life. Will you join me in that?

Thank you for being Sara's friend. Thank you for being her counselor.  You helped her so she wouldn't fall, you helped her feel safe in fulfilling His plan. You helped her keep her faith.

And the Master said, "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness."   ~Matthew 25:21

One year ago today, Sara journeyed to be with our Master, our Father. She is home, on Holy Ground, with Him. Sara is singing, dancing and praising Him joyfully.

http://soundcloud.com/gitzengiirl/03-holy-ground

Love and blessings from all of Sara's family! We are grateful to each of you for always being her friend and bringing joy to her life.

Peace.

Grief and Joy

"When the heart grieves over what is lost, 

the spirit rejoices over what it has left."

 ~ Epigram, Sufi

One year ago today Sara started Hospice. 

For the first time in as long as I can remember, one year ago today, Sara was provided with enough medication to ease her pain and keep her from getting physically sick. As we watched the medication begin to work, we also saw the many years of pain leave her face.  She looked like an angel! An angel ready for her journey to heaven.

In keeping with Sara's motto of, "It's not about me," over the course of the next two days, her focus was on making sure those of us left here on earth were taken care of. That we were o.k. Sara said to us, "I will be fine." "Isn't this exciting?" "It is all of you who are left here to grieve." I want to make sure you are o.k."

She was so COURAGEOUS! Without shedding a tear, and filled with joy and excitement, she told us how excited she was to meet our Heavenly Father. She continued teaching us. Teaching us how to love, choose joy, and be courageous.

Our hearts grieve over her loss, but we are so grateful and our spirit rejoices over what she has left us. She has left us so much of herself through her writings and the life she lived. The life she lived for God and others! For this we will be forever grateful. 

Thank you dear sister. 

We love you all the way around the world and back...and into the heavens! 

Blessings and thanks to all of you who loved Sara. She loved you too!

Grace and the Holy Spirit

September 12, 2011, one year ago today, I answered a call from my sister Sara and she asked me to come. Come and be with her. “Don’t worry,” she said, “I’m okay, I was just wondering if you could come be with me.”

Of course! Where else would I be? Sara asked me to come.

Sara always loved to have people come visit, but she rarely asked. Sometimes it was because she wasn't feeling well, but mostly, she didn't want to be a burden to anyone. Typically, if I was going to visit, I had to be the one to tell her I was coming. There was only one other time I recall her asking me to come because she needed help.  It was when her disease, her pain, was more than she could handle. The only other time she asked me to come, was when she had Cushings, she needed the doctor’s help, and couldn’t get to them.

Sara said, “Don’t worry,” but I did nothing on that four hour trip but pray and worry!  Asking God, “please help me know how to help my sweet sister Sara.”

I felt like this time was different.  She had been getting worse. She had just received IV’s the week-end before because of dehydration. Steve was with her that week-end. He said when he left on Sunday that she seemed to be doing better.

But, she had taken a turn for the worse. Again.

God's Grace is "the power of God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves".  And the fact is, we cannot do anything for ourselves.  Jesus says, "...without me you can do nothing."  ~John 15:5

I needed God’s grace. I always wear the necklace Sara gave me that says, “By Grace Alone.” Those words kept going through my head and I asked for His help, His grace. Without His grace, I was lost. How was I going to help her? How could I ease her suffering and pain?

 

I walked through the door of her condo.  Sara's dear friend Meg was with her, sitting next to her in bed. I hugged Sara (as much as I could without creating more pain) and I said, “Is this time different?” She said “Yes, I think so.” We cried, Meg left, and throughout that night I helped her as she struggled constantly. She hardly had a moment without relief from pain and getting physically sick.

Morning finally came and her friend, home nurse, our angel, Tabatha came to see how Sara was doing. After Tabatha saw Sara, we had much conversation, blood tests were taken, the results were received, and the words came…

”You may want to consider HOSPICE.” My tear filled eyes met Sara’s and she said, “YES.”

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.   ~Romans 8:26

My head said No, but my heart felt hers as excitement filled her face. Sara was finally going to meet our heavenly father. She said “Yes.” And her journey began…one year ago today, she began her journey to be with our heavenly father and, our dad!

 08 Amazing Grace by gitzengirl

Celebration and Sorrow...

"Change is inevitable, Growth is intentional."

The last couple of weeks I have found myself with feelings of sorrow.  Sorrow anticipating that on July 9th, it will be two years since dad died. On July 9, 2010, we were getting ready to celebrate...celebrate my oldest son, Thomas' 17th birthday. My phone rang as Rebecca and I were picking up some last minute items for Thomas' party...our celebration turned into sorrow.

I was looking through some of Sara's quotes tonight and this one stood out to me..."Change is inevitable, Growth is intentional." Isn't that true with everything in life? Things are always going to change, whether it is at work or in our personal life, change is inevitable.

Two years ago on July 9th, was the start of significant changes in my families life. We lost one of the greatest men on earth (according to us anyway). I know Sara already shared a lot about dad...his gentleness, unwavering trust in God, gentle spirit, LOVE for life, family and friends, and on and on it goes.

What I also know about dad, is that he would not want us to be sorrowful, he would want us to be intentional about celebrating.  Celebrating a life lived to its fullest, celebrating a man who was the greatest dad, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, etc. that God could have blessed us with.

Thomas told me he and grandpa now share a very special day. Sure, there is our human sorrow that will always be there because we miss his big heart...his big life. But, we will not only celebrate Thomas' birthday on July 9, we will also celebrate dad.

Dad was not only a role model to me, but was also a role model to my children, his grandchildren. Dad taught us all to live intentionally, so that is what we will do. We will take the change that God gives us and intentionally use it to grow...grow in His glory.

Because as Sara would say..."This world is not about us, it's about what He does through us."

Let's intentionally celebrate life today...July 9th...

(Happy 19th birthday, Thomas)

I am going to celebrate the life of my dad and my son, Thomas.  I am so very proud of and grateful for them both!  Thanks, God for blessing me...big! I love you both..."all the way around the world and back." ~Gitz
...and into the heavens...

Thanks also for each of your continued love and prayers....we are grateful for all of you!

~Laura

Honoring Dad and Grandma

Today is an extra special day...It is Grandma Rita's 90th birthday and Father's day.

To all you dad's out there that have been faithful readers and friends to my sister Sara, Happy Father's day and blessings to each and every one of you.

With both Dad and Sara in Heaven, I never think of one without thinking of the other.

I was visiting with my son, Thomas the other night, reminiscing about Dad and Sara, when he made the comment that Sara reminds him so much of Job in the bible. He commented on how Job was tested with pain and suffering and yet never lost his trust in God.

Through no fault of his own, Job lost his wealth, children and health. But, the greatest trial for Job was not the pain or loss; it was not being able to understand why God allowed him to suffer.

In the early years of Sara's disease, we all questioned and wondered "why." Why would God put someone so wonderful, one of His children through so much pain and suffering? Although none of us could fully understand why Sara had to go through the pain she endured, it did lead her (and me) to discovering God more fully. Sara was so obedient and faithful...Sara chose how to respond, and she chose to respond faithfully to God.

Job and Sara showed us the kind of trust we are to have in God. When everything is stripped away, we are to recognize that God is all we ever really have or need. God gives us himself, but not necessarily all the details of his plans. We must remember that this life, with all it's pain, is not our final destiny.

Our final destiny is with our Heavenly Father, and that's exactly where dad and Sara are.  I was reading the post Sara wrote called, "Our Earthly Existence." In this post, she talked about a dream she had 2 months to the day after dad's funeral.

Sara had a dream about a place that was familiar, warm and comforting. Yet, it was better...more beautiful, more warm, more complete. Sara saw dad...and dad said she could stay. He told her "that all was put right again."

I do believe that for dad and Sara, "all is put right again." And, one day for all of us, it will be too.

This Father's day, Sara is personally celebrating Father's day with our Heavenly Father AND my dad! A true dream come true for her. Dad and Sara are sharing the dance they had been waiting to share for so long.

Please dance one for me, Sara! I really miss you both.

Happy Father's day, dad! Thanks for being a remarkable father and role model.

AND...

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma! You and dad were so very much alike...you both made life happier. You were both so loving and selfless; full of strength and faith. May God bless you today and always! I love you so...

I am so very blessed with such a wonderful family and treasured memories!!

Laura