The Journey Ends
Last night at 11:00 pm est. my mother-in-law, Theda ended her journey here on this earth as we know it. Again, I must say that it was such an honor to be able to run the last part of her journey by her side. She went in such peace, as though, her finish line was embraced and she moved into the presence of Jesus! She lived a life that had four principles:
- To live passionately.
- To love completely.
- To learn humbly.
- To leave boldly.
Here is an excerpt from an eNewsletter that I received:
Living passionately is something we all hunger to do, yet most of us allow all the mundane things of the daily grind to drain the passion from us or cause us to put the things we have passion for on a shelf. Loving completely can be frightening because it leaves us vulnerable, but in our hearts we want those we love to know it with certainty. Humility flies in the face of the world’s way of viewing things, yet most of us know the joys that come with allowing ourselves to learn from those around us. Most importantly, leaving boldly means having lived our lives in such a way that when the end comes we have benefited those around us and carry no regrets.
These principles are founded on understanding that we are the branches whose supply comes from Jesus, the vine. He gives us the strength we need to live them in ways that are unique to who He created us to be. Our lives are in His hands and we are given the privilege of choosing what we will do with the time He has given us.
These words ministered to me so much when I read them. I knew immediately that the Lord had brought them to my attention to reflect on Theda’s life! This was her attitude toward life. She made life grand for so many people and never asked for anything in return. May God bless us all to live such a life for His Glory.
So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 AMP)
Peace
Dennis
All scriptures used in this blog article are The Amplified Bible, containing the Amplified Old Testament and the Amplified New Testament. 1987. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Excerpt from: Adapted from One Month to Live by Kerry & Chris Shook. Watch LIFE Today with the Shooks on Monday and Tuesday, January 28-29 (US/Canada).
Hi D,
I’m sorry to hear of her passing. Both you and Kathy are on my heart today. I love and miss both of you. Thanks for being there and writing about it. It spoke loud to all of us. You are real and share your heart openly with everyone. Thanks for letting us into your world. God bless you my brother. I will talk with you soon.
Forever your best friend,
Steve
Hey Dennis,
I’ve prayed for you and your family this week.
Hi Dennis,
I went to Church with Theda and John until about six months ago and wanted to share a thought. She was everything you wrote. Her heart went into all that she did even to the end. She sang like an angel and when asked preached the Word like I have never heard. I will remember her words always because the touched my heart. Theda was writing a book and my best friend Joyce was working with her until about two years ago, I am not sure if she ever finished. I am sorry for your loss but heaven has gained the best!!!
I did an internet search on Theda and ran across your page. Thank you for posting.
God Bless You my Brather,
Beth
Dear Dennis, Kathy & John,
It wasn’t until yesterday (Feb. 11) that I heard about Theda’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could of been at the service for her if I had only known in time. One of the ladies at the St. John’s Towers informed me yesterday of the news.
I got to know Theda from Bay City Ministries in Havre de Grace, MD. We attended church together there for a while. What an absolutely beautiful person she was. I also got the honor to type some of her book for her. I feel I got to know the entire family just from her writings. I know it was her desire to have the book published and I hope that someday the family will be able to do that in her memory.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can just visualize Theda and Louie in Heaven together today…what a wonderful reunion and celebration they must be having!
May God Bless you and your family as you continue your wonderful work for him!
Sincerely,
Joyce Copenhaver