I attended the Celebration Service for Jesse this morning. It was a packed church with many family and friends present. I looked around the sanctuary and in the foyer afterwards and saw so many folks I knew who are a part of our church and convention family in some way. I knew that Jesse's service would be a church service. We worshipped the Lord today! Jesse would have only wanted it that way. It was a 2 hour service filled with music, testimonies, laughter, pictures, and the Gospel message. It was a sheer celebration of the life of a faithful servant (that's what was on the front of the printed program) and the Jesus that he served! This is what a funeral should be, especially for those who have accepted Jesus into their life. Yes, we are saddened because Jesse is no longer physically with us and we won't see him on this side of Heaven, a wife is left without her husband of 29 years and daughters are left without a father, and young grandchildren no longer have their Papa around...BUT, we rejoice that Jesse is with His Savior, completely healed of a terrible disease and that for those of us who are believers, it is not "goodbye"...only "see ya later"! The Gospel message was presented and folks had the opportunity to pray to become a Christian. Oh, how I pray those there who didn't know Jesus are now a child of His!
I couldn't help but think that I would want my service to be like Jesse's: celebrating the Savior I serve and what He's done in my life...and hoping that others can experience the Jesus that I have!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Prayer for the Morales family
Jesse is now healed and walking, talking, smiling, and maybe even dancing with his Savior! He battled ALS for over 18 months and was called Home on Monday. You may recall reading about him and his family when I posted in June about the ALS Run/Walk that I was taking part in. Thank you for your prayers during Jesse's illness.
I've already posted about Jesse, so I won't say much more about him. I will say that it was wonderful to see how God used Jesse's illness to bring people to faith in Christ! I can't wait to see what God will do even in his death!
Read about his journey by clicking on 'Jesse's Journey'.
Pray for his wife, Kathy, a wonderful woman of God. We share a love for our Lord and children. We co-taught grades 1-6 in Sunday School in the spring and do great at bouncing off each other! I look forward to more teaching together. Pray for daughters Angela (Jordan and their young children Ethan and Mia), Christina (Frankie), Stephanie (Mike), and 14 year old Emily. They are all wonderful young women and men of faith. It's a joy to be in the same church with most of them. I have watched the girls lead us in worship on many Sundays, yet knowing they were having difficult days. I am so encouraged by their walk of faith.
Here are a few pictures from the ALS Walk/Run:
Visitation for Jesse is on Saturday, with the 'celebration service' on Monday. If you can, say extra prayers these days!
Also, please keep friends and church families in your prayers. Jesse and Kathy started a Filipino church, The Bridge, and then The Pathway Church( formerly Symons Valley), in Calgary. He is an alumni of our seminary, so their family has been a part of our convention work for many years.
On behalf of the family and friends, THANK YOU!
I've already posted about Jesse, so I won't say much more about him. I will say that it was wonderful to see how God used Jesse's illness to bring people to faith in Christ! I can't wait to see what God will do even in his death!
Read about his journey by clicking on 'Jesse's Journey'.
Pray for his wife, Kathy, a wonderful woman of God. We share a love for our Lord and children. We co-taught grades 1-6 in Sunday School in the spring and do great at bouncing off each other! I look forward to more teaching together. Pray for daughters Angela (Jordan and their young children Ethan and Mia), Christina (Frankie), Stephanie (Mike), and 14 year old Emily. They are all wonderful young women and men of faith. It's a joy to be in the same church with most of them. I have watched the girls lead us in worship on many Sundays, yet knowing they were having difficult days. I am so encouraged by their walk of faith.
Here are a few pictures from the ALS Walk/Run:
Visitation for Jesse is on Saturday, with the 'celebration service' on Monday. If you can, say extra prayers these days!
Also, please keep friends and church families in your prayers. Jesse and Kathy started a Filipino church, The Bridge, and then The Pathway Church( formerly Symons Valley), in Calgary. He is an alumni of our seminary, so their family has been a part of our convention work for many years.
On behalf of the family and friends, THANK YOU!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Reflecting on the past 8 years
I have now been in Canada 8 years! Wow, I can't believe it. If someone would have told me that I would move to Canada for seminary and end up staying, I probably would not have believed them...but, it was these two dear friends pictured with me who knew I would be here!
I met Alisa D Taylor and Alisa Harrison Gillis while in college when I knew them as Alisa D and Harrison! We ended up being at Morrison Heights Baptist Church together and shared an apartment in Clinton from the fall of 2000 to summer 2001. It was during this time that God was dealing with me about Canada and I do recall the girls telling me that I would be in Canada. They knew how much I loved Canada from my summer in Vancouver in '98, as well as the mission trip to Cochrane while in Montana during summer '96. Canada never really left me. Once you get a bite of it, watch out! Taylor and Gillis, you girls knew, and how cool it was that you were able to come visit me when I first lived in Calgary and get a taste of my life here! I love y'all! I've been thinking a lot about the past 8 years and the journey that God has taken me on and how He has been so faithful in so many ways. I could write a book on all I've seen Him do during my time in this wonderful country! My plan was to come for seminary and go back to Mississippi and be a children's minister in a church. I got hooked on mininstry in Calgary and specifically at Mountain View Christian Fellowship. It was an overall wonderful experience for me during those 5 years at
that little church. I made some incredible, life-long friends at seminary and MVCF. My life has been forever touched and changed. The staff and congregation of MVCF allowed a seminary intern and fresh-out-of-seminary grad to lead the children's ministry and grow together! What a joy to be a part of Meleah becoming a Christian, seeing God at work in lives, having the privilege to baptize Ben and Shay, lead in VBS, sports camp, block parties, MS mission trip for Katrina relief work, seeing my church back home come to MV 3 summers, help in church plants, and more! God has been so good...
Just a few highlights of sem and MV days/friends:
I left Calgary and MVCF in December '06 to take on a different adventure on the other side of Canada. I now know that one reason God allowed me to be in ministry in Atlantic Canada, a pioneer area for our convention work, was because He was preparing me for my current ministry with the CNBC. I now have a bit more taste of our work across Canada. The move to PEI gave me a much needed break from a city of 1 million people! God allowed me to meet some incredible people and again, make life-long friends, in Prince Edward Island, as I served at Community Baptist Church. He allowed me to be in ministry again with dear seminary and former staff members of MV, John and Erin Evans.
What a joy to be a part of VBS, sports camp, community outreach, church planting, convention meeting in PEI, children's lives and much more! God is so good!
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In the eight years I've been away from my Southern home, the Cone family has grown by 3, or really 4, since my sister got married just over a month before my parents and I traveled up to Cochrane! Nathan is such a blessing to our family. Rosalyn will be 6 in a couple of weeks, Katie will be 4 in October, and Knox is 18 months. Wow! They are the joys of my life. Since maybe before Rosalyn was born, I have prayed that my sister's children will know who I am--seeing that I live so far away from them and time between visits can be long. God has answered that prayer! I'm not just a name or face! They are precious and though it's sometimes difficult being so far from my family, I'm thankful for modern technology!
For whatever reason, God has placed me with the Canadian National Baptist Convention as missions ministry leader and SEND team assistant. It will soon be a year since being back in Alberta! I have the privilege of helping educate our churches across Canada about missions, coordinating our missions offering efforts, "rubbing shoulders" with our missionaries around the world (mainly via email), and working with an incredible group of people. I got my start in missions while in college. University ministries falls under the SEND division, so I somewhat feel like I've come full circle as I get to interact with our university ministry leaders in different ways. God is stretching me with having me in an office job from 8-4, 5 days a week, but I have enough variety in my job that I don't mind it. Though I'm not in children's ministry full-time, I have different opps with my position to still be a part of children's things through missions education. Of course, I am involved in children's ministry at my church, The Pathway Church in Calgary. I've been at the church for a few months now and am enjoying getting to know folks in this church plant of about 4 years or so. And yes, I am living back in Calgary, but not so much in the city as I used to live. I live on the outskirts of the city, in a subdivision that is only 20 minutes from Cochrane. As I drive to and from work each day, I get to see the city skyline and then drive down the big hill into Cochrane and then back up a hill to our office, just across the field from the seminary I graduated from, and get to look out the window at the town of Cochrane. Seeing both Calgary and Cochrane each day has me "claiming" these places for Christ!
I thank each of you for your support, love, encouragement, and prayers through these 8 years. It is not always "easy" to be here, but through your prayers and more, God shows me that He wants me here.
Folks ask, "how long do you plan to be here?" I don't know...I just know God has called me here for this time of my life. It is a joy to serve Him!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Remembering my Precious Grandmother
Saturday, August 8, would have been my grandmother's 82nd birthday. "Murie" (mu-e) was the one who passed away on February 28. Since this was the first birthday that she was not on this earth with us, I thought of her so much. Mom and I chatted about that tonight. My sister was at my parents' place last week and went through a lot of my grandmother's things. They've set aside a pile for me, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else is there. I have a few "treasures" of my own that I already found!
Murie was one of the sweetest, Godliest ladies I knew. She, my sister, and I had a very special relationship because we were her only grandchildren. I have such fond memories of times together. It's still strange to think that I have no more grandparents on this side of Heaven. I take comfort in knowing that we will be reunited one day!
I remember when Murie started really getting sicker and wasn't able to do the things she used to and especially when she couldn't verbally communicate. That was probably the hardest of her illness. I recall one Christmas where she was all smiles, but you knew she wanted to say something and couldn't get it out. She, my sister, and Mom just stood there, hugging and crying, along with Murie. I was sitting, crying as well. Mom told Murie what a good mother Christy was and that it reminded Mom of her! It is in these times when reality sets in and you feel so helpless. At that time, Murie was able to still walk and do things for herself.
I remember times on the back porch swing with Murie, just sitting there. We always had great talks, but in the last few years, the visits without talks became even more special. I would often say my goodbyes and knew Murie wanted to say something...
It was precious to watch Murie with her great-grandaughters! She loved them so and would smile so big whenever she would see them. Did she even know who they were by the end of life? We don't know, but thankfully she got to meet her great-grandson!
Murie was one who never learned to drive! It was fun to take her places when I got my license! She grew up in the hills of East Tennessee, near Nashville, and that's where she and Grandaddy met. Mom told me that they married when Murie was still in high school (because they just couldn't wait), but no one knew they were married! They waited a bit to tell the family. What a hoot! Grandaddy, Murie, and Mom moved to the Mississippi Delta when Mom was 3, as Grandaddy could support a family better there. Tchula was where I have such fond memories as a young girl. Their house was right by a big lake, so we had fun feeding the turtles. Loved our times on the swingset, lemonade and cookies, and helping in the garden. It was Murie who introduced me to eggplant and oh, how she made some of the best pickles! She was a wonderful cook!
We had even more special times as she moved to Mt. Olive after Grandaddy died. She was able to rent a house right on Main Street, so she was in walking distance of church, stores, and our school. We would often walk to her house after school. She took care of me during and after a hospital stay in junior high as we had a similar condition. She came to our band performances and anything special at our church (she went to First Baptist in town and we were at Rock Hill, about 10 minutes out of town). She was always on the go! Murie made friends easily, loved gardening, birds, flower arranging, sewing, cooking, dancing, and teaching kids' Sunday School! We enjoyed writing letters to each other when the miles separated us. I treasure those letters even more now.
Her funeral was a celebration of her life, the Gospel was presented, and it would have been what she wanted. Her and Gene's pastor did a wonderful job of saying just what we needed to hear. Our family is so thankful for the people of Pearl Valley Church in Wesson. After ahe and Gene married in 94, they took her in and loved on her. During the service, Mom shared some things. It was beautiful. She shared from her heart, gave a bit of history of Murie because most there didn't know her prior to 94, and made it through! Dad was able to play Amazing Grace on his trombone. Murie loved to hear both of them play. Mom was able to play the piano for a couple of congregational songs. It was beautiful and I bet Murie was smiling that day! The pastor gave time for folks to share words of encouragement/stories about "Ms. Geneva". What a special time that was! We heard things from folks that we would have never known about Murie! The things that stand out the most are the stories that individuals had of things Murie did when she was getting sicker. The pastor's wife made a visit, Murie got out the cups for coffee because that is what Murie did when folks came over. She was great at hosting. Gene's grandson-in-law shared about how he was there taking a nap on the couch...Murie went and put a blanket over him. He didn't have the privilege of knowing Murie before she got sick. He said that if she did that nice of a gesture then, he can only imagine what she must have been like before!
My brother-in-law did a wonderful job with the graveside service in Tennessee. It had been such a long week, really weeks maybe years, for us, and we were glad to be with extended family. I don't remember everything that Nathan said, but I know his words comforted me and I kept thinking how blessed we are to have him in our lives! And how Murie's sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and some old friends were hearing the Gospel. We had great time of fellowship over lunch and staying in TN an extra day. Because they weren't around Murie when she was sick nor at the funeral, Mom shared with them some of the stories folks shared with us.
God has been so good to my family. I am blessed beyond measure. My life has been forever touched and changed as a result of my grandmother...both my grandmothers. I feel I am a better person because of both of them!
There is so much more I could write, as my heart is overflowing with memories, love, and gratitude. I just pray that I can leave even half the legacy that Murie did!
Murie was one of the sweetest, Godliest ladies I knew. She, my sister, and I had a very special relationship because we were her only grandchildren. I have such fond memories of times together. It's still strange to think that I have no more grandparents on this side of Heaven. I take comfort in knowing that we will be reunited one day!
I remember when Murie started really getting sicker and wasn't able to do the things she used to and especially when she couldn't verbally communicate. That was probably the hardest of her illness. I recall one Christmas where she was all smiles, but you knew she wanted to say something and couldn't get it out. She, my sister, and Mom just stood there, hugging and crying, along with Murie. I was sitting, crying as well. Mom told Murie what a good mother Christy was and that it reminded Mom of her! It is in these times when reality sets in and you feel so helpless. At that time, Murie was able to still walk and do things for herself.
I remember times on the back porch swing with Murie, just sitting there. We always had great talks, but in the last few years, the visits without talks became even more special. I would often say my goodbyes and knew Murie wanted to say something...
It was precious to watch Murie with her great-grandaughters! She loved them so and would smile so big whenever she would see them. Did she even know who they were by the end of life? We don't know, but thankfully she got to meet her great-grandson!
Murie was one who never learned to drive! It was fun to take her places when I got my license! She grew up in the hills of East Tennessee, near Nashville, and that's where she and Grandaddy met. Mom told me that they married when Murie was still in high school (because they just couldn't wait), but no one knew they were married! They waited a bit to tell the family. What a hoot! Grandaddy, Murie, and Mom moved to the Mississippi Delta when Mom was 3, as Grandaddy could support a family better there. Tchula was where I have such fond memories as a young girl. Their house was right by a big lake, so we had fun feeding the turtles. Loved our times on the swingset, lemonade and cookies, and helping in the garden. It was Murie who introduced me to eggplant and oh, how she made some of the best pickles! She was a wonderful cook!
We had even more special times as she moved to Mt. Olive after Grandaddy died. She was able to rent a house right on Main Street, so she was in walking distance of church, stores, and our school. We would often walk to her house after school. She took care of me during and after a hospital stay in junior high as we had a similar condition. She came to our band performances and anything special at our church (she went to First Baptist in town and we were at Rock Hill, about 10 minutes out of town). She was always on the go! Murie made friends easily, loved gardening, birds, flower arranging, sewing, cooking, dancing, and teaching kids' Sunday School! We enjoyed writing letters to each other when the miles separated us. I treasure those letters even more now.
Her funeral was a celebration of her life, the Gospel was presented, and it would have been what she wanted. Her and Gene's pastor did a wonderful job of saying just what we needed to hear. Our family is so thankful for the people of Pearl Valley Church in Wesson. After ahe and Gene married in 94, they took her in and loved on her. During the service, Mom shared some things. It was beautiful. She shared from her heart, gave a bit of history of Murie because most there didn't know her prior to 94, and made it through! Dad was able to play Amazing Grace on his trombone. Murie loved to hear both of them play. Mom was able to play the piano for a couple of congregational songs. It was beautiful and I bet Murie was smiling that day! The pastor gave time for folks to share words of encouragement/stories about "Ms. Geneva". What a special time that was! We heard things from folks that we would have never known about Murie! The things that stand out the most are the stories that individuals had of things Murie did when she was getting sicker. The pastor's wife made a visit, Murie got out the cups for coffee because that is what Murie did when folks came over. She was great at hosting. Gene's grandson-in-law shared about how he was there taking a nap on the couch...Murie went and put a blanket over him. He didn't have the privilege of knowing Murie before she got sick. He said that if she did that nice of a gesture then, he can only imagine what she must have been like before!
My brother-in-law did a wonderful job with the graveside service in Tennessee. It had been such a long week, really weeks maybe years, for us, and we were glad to be with extended family. I don't remember everything that Nathan said, but I know his words comforted me and I kept thinking how blessed we are to have him in our lives! And how Murie's sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and some old friends were hearing the Gospel. We had great time of fellowship over lunch and staying in TN an extra day. Because they weren't around Murie when she was sick nor at the funeral, Mom shared with them some of the stories folks shared with us.
God has been so good to my family. I am blessed beyond measure. My life has been forever touched and changed as a result of my grandmother...both my grandmothers. I feel I am a better person because of both of them!
There is so much more I could write, as my heart is overflowing with memories, love, and gratitude. I just pray that I can leave even half the legacy that Murie did!
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