Gavin's Grandma in Glory

Our beloved Murmps went peacefully Home yesterday (6:00 a.m. Saturday California time). Today during our worship time at church Gavin and I were so moved we could hardly sing, knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior, worshiping at the same throne about which we were singing. It seemed more real than ever to me - this One True God we are singing about and praising - because someone we love dearly is there right now beholding His glorious face and adoring Him.

We sent Murmps a bouquet, knowing her time was fast approaching and saddened we couldn't be there to say goodbye, and I chose the brightest bunch of flowers I could find. No muted Fall colors for her! She was READY and happy to go, so we wanted to keep it as cheery as possible. Well, the bouquet didn't arrive in time, but it doesn't matter because she is seeing things so much more infinitely beautiful. I had to chuckle, though, that the name of the bouquet was "This is Your Day!" It was to be delivered the very day that she went to Heaven. It really was her day of days!!

With Gracie Summer 2013

With Gracie, Isaac holding Seth, and me

Giving my darling niece Mari a ride on her walker. Gavin's mom, Marmi/Marcia, is on the left. As my girlfriend said today, "She'll [Marcia] get two crowns in Heaven!" As difficult and draining as these past few months have been, I know Mom and the rest of Murmps's loving family considered it a huge blessing and privilege to walk this road alongside her. She finished her race well. 

 

 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

 A song Murmps chose for her funeral and which the whole family sang at her bedside just a couple of nights before she died:

Because He Lives by Bill Gaither

God sent his son; they called him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

(Chorus)
Because he lives I can face tomorrow.
Because he lives all fear is gone.
Because I know he holds the future;
And life is worth the living just because he lives

(Verse 3)
And then one day I'll cross the river;
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he lives