Showing posts with label April 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label April 2009. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

April 15, 2009


It was a beautiful day, and God made Himself present in amazing ways. The flowers everyone sent were so pretty, she would have loved them. There are a lot of moments I will treasure from today, and I will share more with you as time goes by. Along with many many thank yous.


This gorgeous arrangement came from The Alabama Selfs! They were so pretty, I loved all the colors. Thanks you guys, we miss you.














These beautiful flowers were sent from The City of Phoenix. Lila, my mother-in-law works for the city. Thank you City of Phoenix!










Such a pretty bright yellow bouquet that worked out perfect in the front of the church. They were from Channel 12, were Matt (Jessica's husband) works. This was very generous and I can't thank you enough.



I wanted to share some photos with those who couldn't make it today. I will post a "thank you" list shortly. I am so humbled by the way people came out of the wood work to donate money/food for the lunch. Some people had never even met Jess, they had just heard about what a wonderful person she was.



This is the table I put together with black and white pictures of Jessica, candles and photo matte that the guests signed. This photo matte will also be signed at the California memorial as well.



I know for me it is so easy to just play things over and over from the hospital, and I am asking the Lord to simply erase the hard parts and help us to cling to who she was. Show us the Glory of your dwelling place.


I want to thank you in advance for the way I know you will lift us up in prayer, and know it will sustain us in the coming days.


With much love, and more gratitude than I can articulate,
Kristen

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Beauty in the midst of suffering.....


Easter service was incredible and was crucial to getting our family through the day. Thank you Pastor Terry!
What a absolutely beautiful day, despairing but beautiful. If God can raise his son from the dead, he can save us from ANYTHING.







Jessica and Mama Lisa...



After service went to the Self's and were together with Jess's parents (Jon and Lisa)and brother (Justin) for most of the day. Please pray for her admirable family at this time, they are hurting so deeply. Justin's wife Angelica and their daughter will fly in tomorrow along with Jessica's Grandma and Kieth (Lisa's fiance). I think it will ease their agony being encircled by more family.

Today was one of the most difficult days of my life, but I can truly see the healing hands of God at work in all of us. Why was today harder than yesterday? I am not sure, yesterdays events are engraved in my mind and continue to replay. I saw things yesterday I never want to see again. They are all settling in now.

Lord, I am empty, I am in disbelief. I wanted it to be different. You could have left her with us yesterday if you had so chosen...you chose to heal her FOREVER instead....and so, we come humbly, weeping, our heads bowed, and we just ask for you to help us survive this grief.



His name is Jesus, and He gives.

His name is Jesus, and He takes away.

He is still on the throne
.


My favorite kid pic of Jess! Priceless....









I will post again tomorrow to keep you all informed...

Humbly, grateful, and in hope,
Kristen