A Living Prayer

As I sit here tonight reading through some of Sara's posts for a potential book, I came across one titled "A Living Prayer," and I felt a need to share it again with each of you. Sara wrote that her wish was to be remembered as a Living Prayer.

Sara's joy was contagious, people felt her compassion in both words and deeds, and she was determined to make a difference. Sara was a voice of encouragement and a source of comfort. Sara truly was a living prayer...to many...and still is!

Another goal met...

Love you sis!

A Living Prayer

gitz

2009-11-11

I’ve never really given much thought to the type of things I want people to say at my funeral. I tend to focus more on how I’m living right now and hope that how I’m remembered falls in line because of it. That changed a bit this August when Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away.

In a statement by the family, they described her as "a living prayer, a living advocate, a living center of power. She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more."

I have to tell you, that phrase has stuck with me… to be described as a living prayer. Growing up Catholic, where tradition and posture are a part of worship, my mind went to imagining the actual appearance of a living prayer. I tried to imagine what that might look like in a tangible application, but I couldn’t. I’ve decided that kind of a life can’t be seen in a look or a stature.

What I’ve decided instead is that it would be found more in the reflection of others when they are touched by you. It would be seen in the joy that others would find contagious, in the compassion that others would feel in your words and deeds. It would be found in the empathetic nature of a stranger and in the fortitude seen in those who are determined to make a difference. The kind word for no reason, the intentional way of listening, the hand outstretched to give and to receive… the voice of encouragement, the touch of comfort, the openness to share in word and deed… all of these things must be what a living prayer looks like to others.

All we can really do in life is be open to what God needs from us, to be aware and present in our circumstances so we are available to step up when called. It’s a daily choice to make this a way of life… but I have to say that now, choosing how I want to be remembered is helping me choose my daily actions.

I want to be a living prayer.

Gitzen doodles -- Postcards

Hi, everyone...Laura here...

I have heard from many of you that there is a continued interest in Sara's canvases...

Well, before you get your hopes too high, I don't have canvases to offer you, but I do have an alternative. I have taken Sara's canvases and developed postcards.

My daughter Becca attends Siouxland Community Christian school, and is fundraising for her senior trip. I thought it would be fun to combine the two interests. Continuing to provide each of you with a piece of our sweet Sara, and support our schools fundraising.

I have created packets of the above 5 postcards into a variety pack of 10 (2 of each card). The packets also include envelopes. Each pack of 10 cards are $21.75 ($20 for the cards and $1.75 for shipping).

If you are interested in ordering postcards, please email me at lpedersen15@gmail.com and let me know how many you are interested in, along with your shipping address. At this point I am only able to accept checks, but if these become a hot item, I'll look into setting up a paypal account. :)

Thanks in advance for your interest and support!

Blessings to you all.

Laura 

To Alex

I have been reflecting a lot this week. Our family is going through another first. An awesome and exciting first...

The oldest grandson/nephew, Alex, is getting married! Remember that little nephew that Sara has told stories about...

Yes, he is getting married today, Friday, 10/4.

My thoughts have been focused on what would dad and Sara be doing and thinking...what would they say to Alex on this big and important day?

Dad, a very fun, loving, wise and kind - hearted grandpa, would be doing his share of joking and teasing, only to then get serious with the advise he would give to both Alex and Danielle.  He would talk with them about love, respect, communication and most important of all having God at the center of their relationship, at the center of their marriage. And then, he would probably throw in another joke that would turn them both red, put a smile on their face and love in their heart.

Sara, a very proud Aunt, would be their biggest fan. She would be full of excitement and pride, as if Alex was her own child. Sara posted some words of advice as Alex, Anna and Thomas started college a few years ago. In her post she stated that life is, "... a series of relationships that shape us and others in profound ways."

One of those relationships for Alex has been profound and has shaped him...Alex met Danielle... I think Sara's advice on the lessons we learn are still relevant as Alex prepares for his new life with Danielle...

"Be who you are and don't compromise yourself for anyone. But don't shut anyone out just because they are different. Love them. Listen to them. Meet them where they are at and be who God meant you to be ... an extension of Him in the lives of those around you. And have a lot fun while you do it.

In marriage, you fall in love with someone because of who they are, so continue to be who you are, love each other, listen to each other and meet your spouse where they are at. Be who God means for you to be to each other and as a couple. If you are an extension of Him in this new journey of life with your spouse, your marriage will be blessed!

And, don't forget your Grandpa and Aunt Sara are still there if you need them...just talk to them. Any time.

They love you and so do I... All the way around the world, into the heavens and back.

In memory of our Sweet Sara "Gitz" Frankl...

I thought you might enjoy this video we played at Sara's wake.

So many beautiful memories.

So many reasons to be grateful.

So many reasons to miss her so!

Thanks to each and every one of you for all your prayers, love and support!

Laura

Following Christ. Finding Joy. Fulfilling Dreams.

My dear sister Sara...

On September 24th, it will be two years.

Two years since I have been able to call and talk to you.

Two years since I have been able to see you and give you a hug.

Two years...

I have been trying to figure out why I have been feeling more emotional lately...Why do I feel like something is just not right?

Then it hit me. I felt the same way last year at this time. We are coming up on the anniversary of your death. Your journey to meet our Heavenly Father. It is amazing how those events can affect us, automatically, without us even realizing it.

In James1:2-3, Jesus says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Even though you are no longer with us on earth, I continue to learn so much from your amazing life. What is means to truly choose joy... My prayers have always focused on living a life that is reflective of Him and the path He wants me to walk. And then, faced with the trial of losing you and dad...
Little did I know, I was barely touching the surface of my walk with Christ. Little did  I know what "pure joy" and "trials" truly meant.

One of the last things you said to me was that you want people to continue learning, you want people to continue reading the messages you have written...but, you said, they must know, "It's not about me, it's about Him." That's the message you wanted people to hear.

Hope... Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

In your post from April 29, 2011, you wrote 5 minutes on "If I knew I could, I would..." In that post, you wrote, "If I knew I could, I would write the book everyone says they want." 

I have been joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer... I am working on getting that book published. I am working on getting your words... your words that have touched so many people, your words that came to you through Jesus...published. 

I am also trusting and finding joy in fulfilling a dream of continuing your discipleship through the development of a choose joy women's ministry. I am a bit nervous and overwhelmed... I am walking into unknown territory for me. But, I want to be intentional, I want to be patient, I want to be faithful in following the calling.

Being intentional...those words continue to run through my mind. If we are intentional about talking to Him, listening to Him and walking the path he has laid out for us, we will find joy and dreams will be fulfilled.

Thanks, Sara...for choosing to be intentional, for choosing joy, for choosing to witness to us. As you and dad are now so close to Jesus, please continue to guide me as I walk this journey...into unknown territory. :-)

All my love...your sis,

Laura

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.