Peace in the Valley

I am typing as Mom dictates her thoughts and heart to me, to share with you.


As we woke up this morning, and looked out over the valley, one of Mike's favorite views, there was peace in the valley.  His suffering is over, the battles were finished, and the victory was won.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us, as we will need it even more now.


We will update you, with all the details of the arrangements, as soon as we know later on today.


It is appropriate that the first day of Mike's presence in the Lord, is the Lord's Day.


The quote below, from the Taylor's comment, totally describes Dad's morning.  We can't help but rejoice in the air he is breathing, finally, he hasn't been able to breath deeply for so long.


"But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven! 


Of touching a hand-And finding it God's! 


Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial! 


Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!"


To God be all the glory,
JJ (for Mom)


John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Philippians 4:7

 "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to add a few thoughts from our day, yesterday, our last day with Dad here on this earth. We had a glorious day.  It was sureal at times.  We started our day, with Dad in his favorite place in the gameroom, sitting where he sat every morning, doing his Bible study, drinking coffee, and watching the sun rise.  We gathered around him most of the day, loving on him, praying, singing worship songs to the Lord, and just being close to each other.  We had such a sweet time together, and when there was a lull, Dad's best friend would share old stories about him with all of us and the grandkids.  We laughed so hard at times, laughter through tears.  The grandkids heard things about their "Buddy" that they never knew, some good, some, well...... let's just say that Jim Reeves was able to tell stories and Dad wasn't able to defend himself if and when Jim was exaggerating!!! :)
After a day of being together, and saying goodbye several times, we slowly began to head to bed.  The room cleared, except for most of us kids and Mom, mom's sister, and the nurse.  It wasn't but a few minutes that past, before we watched Dad breath his last breath.  It was very peaceful, we watched him conquer cancer and have victory over death and he boldly stepped into eternity with our Savior.  Through tears, we rejoiced with Dad. Thank you, for your support and prayers.