In Memory

Most of you who read my blog knows that my mother went to be with Jesus on Monday, January 7th. I'm so thankful for the many memories I have of her. She is missed so very much, but I will one day see her again.

A beautiful lady from our church came by today with this poem. Every song sung at my mother's funeral was put in this poem: Amazing Grace, Holy Ground, Crown Him

"I have fought the good fight"
Paul's words tell her story
As Karla's last breath
Praised God for His glory

It was a wonderful world
Filled with amazing grace
As Karla stood faithful
To the Lord of her faith

Walking life's journey
She found rest for her soul
As she shared with others
How God made her whole

The ground that she walked on
As she traveled this earth
Was holy and precious
And filled with new birth

It sparkled with crowns
Of kindness and praise
As she relected Christ's glory
In numerous ways

When His angels came
To carry her home
She was ready and willing
To bow at Christ's throne

And wear on her head
The crown she has earned
By walking this life
In the light of His Word

Her family will miss her
But they want all to know
They still feel her love
In the depths of their souls

For Karla was faithful
To fight the good fight
By sharing with others
The Gift of God's light.

by Karen Nadeua
Lamar Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, Tx

Pondering

Well it is very late at night for me to be up, but I am. It is actually 5 minutes till midnight. I'm struggling with my mom not doing very well right now, but mostly I'm pondering how in the world I am awake at this time at night. Most of you out there know what is happening with my mom. But what most of you don't know is the emotional roller coaster that is going on as well. I'm mentally always thinking, thinking of her, of our growing up, of her going to be with Jesus, and her smile. I'm mentally thinking of all the things waiting for me when I get home. Yes it will still be there but I think of it anyway. I'm thinking of how I haven't even posted anything on her since before Christmas and I have wonderful pictures of kids just playing and smiling with their new toys. I'm pondering how in the world does one survive after their mom is in heaven, but then again, I know Jesus and that who she will be with. I know I will survive and I know I'll even laugh again at her memory but the wound is too raw right now. You see I'm pondering how thankful I am for my mom. She taught me so much and she was for so long a best friend to me. She sacrificed so much for my brother and I. I've thanked her millions of times and she never did it for the thanks, but it was never enough. So I'll sit here and ponder more and then try and go to sleep! Thanks for listening to me ponder.

Piano recital

As you can tell from the pictures and the title, all three of my children had a piano recital. They were all three pretty nervous, but did so good you wouldn't have known. Sarah has played piano around 7 years, Zech has played for around 4 years, and Isabella 2 years. Sarah played "Silent Night", Zech played "Jingle Bells", and Isabella played "Baby Jesus Lay Your Head". We are so proud of all three of our children and their talents.

My 14th Wedding Anniversary

Today is my 14th Wedding anniversary! We've made it this far and I hope the next 14 years are just as good as the last 14 years. You see I have to say I'm blessed with a terrific husband. He goes to work and makes good money, comes home and even helps around the house. He does laundry, vacuuming, cooking, cleaning, and more. He spends time with me and always amazes me by telling me so many times how beautiful he thinks I am. He is an excellent pastor/preacher. He loves God with all his heart. I'm amazed at the skill he leads the church with and thankful God has truly filled him with wisdom beyond his years. He is also an excellent Daddy. Spending time with each child and making sure they know how proud he is of them. It is not of him or I to have the marraige we do, it is all in God's hands and we are so very thankful to Him for all that He has given us.

Teaching girls to cheer?

We were at our Upwards games yesterday (a whole 2 1/2 hours worth) and watching Isabella cheer. We were watching the basketball game too but mostly watching her cheer. Now before you think we are watching her and not Zech play basketball, he wasn't playing yet. Hence the 2 1/2 hours time spent in the gym. You see Isabella cheers at 12:00 and Zech plays at 1:00 and we have to be there early. Okay back to the cheerleading. Isabella's cheer coaches keep coaxing them to be a little louder and reminding them at the end of their cheer to show a little spirit. Zech looks at me in the process and ask why are the coaches telling the girls to scream louder. He said didn't God make girls that way, to scream! He said they already know how to do it and wasn't sure why her coaches were needing to prod this God given talent a little further! LOL! We laughed and laughed at this one!

Finding the Christmas STAR!

Zech and Isabella had the priveledge in being in our childrens church Christmas program Sunday morning. It was called finding the Christmas Star. The kids and helpers all did such a fantanstic job. Zech had a quick solo and Isabella if you can tell is playing the piano with a funny pink hat. Both did a great job. They even went to a smaller church that night and put on their performance. Do you know who the Christmas STAR is? Well it is Jesus!

Cousins from Africa!

This last weekend we have the priviledge of hosting Mike's cousin and family on stateside assignment from Mmbatho, South Africa. Jody and Dennis have been on assignment in South Africa for 4 years and are headed back on January 4th. They have 5 children, three boys and two girls. We enjoyed their stay here although very short and very sickly. You see they were supposed to come on Thursday and their plans were changed, then Friday and some of their kids were sick. On Saturday everyone woke up and everyone was fine. The drive here they did well on. Unfortunately once they got here both Jody and Dennis ended up getting sick. Mike and I were able to help take care of the kids while they took care of each other. It is no fun getting sick but it is even worse when it is not your house. They shared their wonderful sickness with our family but it was wonderfully nice to see them anyway. They are missed greatly here in the states but they are right where God wants them and we saw that in their hearts and minds when they were here. Please pray for the Janz family as they travel back and share the story of Jesus and His love for the South African people.