Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Grief. Dried eyed, I awake from slumber as if tears have fallen from my soul. My grief is visible exposed for all it witness, I hurt from the inside out. The pain is real ,worthy of my time demanding my vigilance. Yes, I have a heavy heart, death and separation are difficult, life shattering. However,I know because of my faith in God, I don`t have to remain in this grief and sorrow; I give myself permission to grieve but I will not be anchored or consumed by it.
Joel 2 12:13 "Even now, " declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garment. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
In our sorrow we are dwarfed by the reality that earthly life continues as normal. It is our freewill that determines the length of time we permit grief and sorrow to control our thought and actions. Our quest is to trust God then accept, receive and adjust to our new normal. Job 9:10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
In our lifetime, the grief we have experienced lays dormant until trigger by yet a new life experience or tradegy. Wide-eyed it surfaces, rekindles and awakens the pain that we have either dealt with previously or stashed for a later time. Grief, often only consumed by our daily existence, postponed. We are built for solitary progress. Freewill. Will we choose our spirituality or remain in bondage to our carnal senses and emotions.
Romans 8:6-11 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God`s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive becausee of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Once we have received the Holy Spirit we have the mighty power of our LORD within. We no longer are expected to walk this walk along, in our sorrows and discomfort. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 We have not received the spirit of the world but THE SPIRIT WHO IS FROM GOD, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the SPIRIT, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
Father God, I humbly thank you for the life of "Sweet Little Rose," and all that I learned from her, your faithful servant. Thank you for allowing Paula, Nancy and myself to witness and experience the peacefulness of her passing, as we ushered her into your presence. As we stood at her bedside, we shared your Majesty with love and compassion. I will rejoice and cherish sweet memories, as gifts from you.
Father God, twelve years ago when my mom joined you in Heaven, I didnt have the personal relationship with you. I drank to camouflage the feelings of pain and suffering; I just didn`t know how much you loved and wanting to help me, my bad! What an amazing difference you have made in my life. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.
Thank you, for the tender embrace from a total stranger at Connections on Sunday. In my moment of distress, I felt the arms of Jesus in her loving hug. Thank you, for Fran and her willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I am truly blessed, thank you for igniting the passion that I have for YOU.....Thank you, for Mandy and her new found desire for you, I`m so excited for her.......AMEN
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Stuff Day 387
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the Thorn of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Time of need......time of need......most definitely where I am right now, as I face the days and weeks ahead, Lord give me strength. Burial mass was said, eulogies read, respects where paid, precious memories where shared and "Sweet Little Rose`s," earthly body was laid rest on a beautiful sunny Saturday. Now just as I did for my mom 12 years ago, the most difficult and dreadfully painful job of cleaning out Rose`s home and sorting through "her stuff.". What do you do with a lifetime of stuff, treasuries and trinkets collected over the years, that made a house a home! A home that was so important to Rose that she pushed herself to extreme measures to stay there with all the comforts of home and "her stuff."
One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, the tears will flow, the healing and grieving will continue and one room, one closet, one dresser, and one cabinet at a time, the job will be done with love, honor and compassion for my "Sweet Little Rose."
Early this morning I found my first treasure! In the silence of early morn, at my kitchen counter I thumbed through Rose`s collection of prayers booklets and cards that she kept close at hand, on the nightstand by her bed. Tears of joy and excitement flowed as I came across a yellowed- well- worn page with handwritten names at the top. Peg, Linda & Rick, Gosyes((not sure of this name difficult to read) Joe and Joe........Rose did you pray the following prayer on a regular basis for all of us? Are you still praying for us from heaven?
PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX: Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel: and with burning soul pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiment of Faith, Hope and Charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon the within me; while I call to mind the words which David your prophet said to You, my Jesus, "They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones." Amen.....I miss you so much, I know the pain will subside and that your love and memories with carry me to complete the task at hand!
Time of need......time of need......most definitely where I am right now, as I face the days and weeks ahead, Lord give me strength. Burial mass was said, eulogies read, respects where paid, precious memories where shared and "Sweet Little Rose`s," earthly body was laid rest on a beautiful sunny Saturday. Now just as I did for my mom 12 years ago, the most difficult and dreadfully painful job of cleaning out Rose`s home and sorting through "her stuff.". What do you do with a lifetime of stuff, treasuries and trinkets collected over the years, that made a house a home! A home that was so important to Rose that she pushed herself to extreme measures to stay there with all the comforts of home and "her stuff."
One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, the tears will flow, the healing and grieving will continue and one room, one closet, one dresser, and one cabinet at a time, the job will be done with love, honor and compassion for my "Sweet Little Rose."
Early this morning I found my first treasure! In the silence of early morn, at my kitchen counter I thumbed through Rose`s collection of prayers booklets and cards that she kept close at hand, on the nightstand by her bed. Tears of joy and excitement flowed as I came across a yellowed- well- worn page with handwritten names at the top. Peg, Linda & Rick, Gosyes((not sure of this name difficult to read) Joe and Joe........Rose did you pray the following prayer on a regular basis for all of us? Are you still praying for us from heaven?
PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX: Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel: and with burning soul pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiment of Faith, Hope and Charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon the within me; while I call to mind the words which David your prophet said to You, my Jesus, "They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones." Amen.....I miss you so much, I know the pain will subside and that your love and memories with carry me to complete the task at hand!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
July 14, 1922 - March 11, 2012 Day 386
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.
In four hours a community of love will gather to celebrate the life of Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora. I can only imagine that her church will be filled in her honor. Her body will be laid to rest beside her beloved Mike, in a cemetery just outside of town. As a tribute to my wonderful friend, I will deliver the following eulogy.
Sweet Little Rose, who can say that without a gigantic smile? Sweet Little Rose
All 4 foot 7 inches of her drenched and filled to over flowing with love and faith in GOD. Matthew 22 The greatest Commandment…. tells us……Jesus replied: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself……. For 89 years… Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora…. did exactly as Jesus commanded. SHE LOVED….
From 1 Corinthians 13 we hear of Love----And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angel, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…..ROSE WAS LOVE…..
People come into our lives for a REASON, a SEASON, or a LIFETIME. When someone is in our life for a reason it is usually to meet needs that you require. After that need is met and our desire is fulfilled… their work is done. Perhaps you met Rose for REASON!
Some people come into our life for a season, your time together is to share, grow and learn. They may bring you an experience of great peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something, they usually give you and unbelievable amount of joy. Receive it, it is real but only for a season. You may have known Rose for a SEASON!
Some people come into our lives for a lifetime. This relationship teaches you life lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. You are to accept the lesson, love that person and put to use what you have received from them. Perhaps you have known Rose for a LIFETIME!
I have been blessed to have Rose as a life time friend…. for nearly 40 years. To me…. she was a mother,… a mentor…. and a best friend, someone who loved me unconditionally, just the way I am! I have learned a lifetime of lessons from her love. I will strive to live the rest of my life as a living testimony and walk in the light and the hope of her LOVE!
Whether you have known Rose for months, years or a lifetime, we were all truly blessed by her presence. Many of you know that Rose`s desire was to live in the comfort and security of her long time home on Crystal Beach Road. Within the last year Rose`s physical body began to fail…..but certainly not her mind. We had many talks about her living independently …… she didn`t want to burden anyone, she told me that she wanted to leave her home “feet first. I promised her that I would do everything in my power to help her.
I would personally like to thank each and every one of you, and there are many…. who helped me keep my promise to “SWEET LITTLE ROSE.” You visited, you called, ran errands, got her mail, fixed her bath tub, brought her food…. especially Christmas cookies that she love, gave her gifts, called her, delivered her holy communion, took her to get her hair done, brought her library books, took her to Dr visits and cleaned her house,….. together we respected her wishes and allowed her to live with dignity……but most importantly we showered her with LOVE.
On a February 29th on a stretcher she left her house….” feet first”…. for her final ride,….. after only eleven day away her precious abode she was called to her eternal home with JESUS …….
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God`s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
FATHER GOD, ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO YOU,….. I humbly thank this community of love that HELPED ME KEEP A PROMISE. Father, I thank you for our “SWEET LITTLE ROSE, MAY SHE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE! The end.
Father God, I thank you for the words of this eulogy, I found out last night that you woke both Rose`s niece Karen and myself at 4 am on Wednesday to write our eulogies! Probably no co-inky-dink, thank you! Father, thank you for the love, support and strength during these last couple of weeks. As difficult as it was to bid farewell to Rose, it brings me immense comfort to know that she is pain free from this earthly body and in your presence. Father, please send angels to hold me up as I deliver this eulogy and tribute for my lovely friend! Big strong angels!
Father God, I will keep my focus on you, day by day, to complete the task that lay in front of me. Thank you for leading me to this fast, you certainly knew that I would need to have my heart, soul and Spirit in alignment to receive your love and mercy. Father God, thank you for the life lessons that you have walked me through; I know that you will never leave or forsake me.
Father, thank you for the healing that has begun in my family. What a blessing to lead my niece Mandy in prayer yesterday, as she shared her heart`s desire for you. I know that angels in heaven rejoiced upon hearing her confessions of repentance, forgiveness and acceptance of your free gift, JESUS THE CHRIST. Thank you for this amazing gift in the midst of our sorrow as we mourn the passing of "Sweet Little Rose." Isaiah 26:12 LORD you establish peace for us; all we have accomplished you have done for us. AMEN........your faithful servant and precious daughter, Linda!
In four hours a community of love will gather to celebrate the life of Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora. I can only imagine that her church will be filled in her honor. Her body will be laid to rest beside her beloved Mike, in a cemetery just outside of town. As a tribute to my wonderful friend, I will deliver the following eulogy.
Sweet Little Rose, who can say that without a gigantic smile? Sweet Little Rose
All 4 foot 7 inches of her drenched and filled to over flowing with love and faith in GOD. Matthew 22 The greatest Commandment…. tells us……Jesus replied: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself……. For 89 years… Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora…. did exactly as Jesus commanded. SHE LOVED….
From 1 Corinthians 13 we hear of Love----And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angel, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…..ROSE WAS LOVE…..
People come into our lives for a REASON, a SEASON, or a LIFETIME. When someone is in our life for a reason it is usually to meet needs that you require. After that need is met and our desire is fulfilled… their work is done. Perhaps you met Rose for REASON!
Some people come into our life for a season, your time together is to share, grow and learn. They may bring you an experience of great peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something, they usually give you and unbelievable amount of joy. Receive it, it is real but only for a season. You may have known Rose for a SEASON!
Some people come into our lives for a lifetime. This relationship teaches you life lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. You are to accept the lesson, love that person and put to use what you have received from them. Perhaps you have known Rose for a LIFETIME!
I have been blessed to have Rose as a life time friend…. for nearly 40 years. To me…. she was a mother,… a mentor…. and a best friend, someone who loved me unconditionally, just the way I am! I have learned a lifetime of lessons from her love. I will strive to live the rest of my life as a living testimony and walk in the light and the hope of her LOVE!
Whether you have known Rose for months, years or a lifetime, we were all truly blessed by her presence. Many of you know that Rose`s desire was to live in the comfort and security of her long time home on Crystal Beach Road. Within the last year Rose`s physical body began to fail…..but certainly not her mind. We had many talks about her living independently …… she didn`t want to burden anyone, she told me that she wanted to leave her home “feet first. I promised her that I would do everything in my power to help her.
I would personally like to thank each and every one of you, and there are many…. who helped me keep my promise to “SWEET LITTLE ROSE.” You visited, you called, ran errands, got her mail, fixed her bath tub, brought her food…. especially Christmas cookies that she love, gave her gifts, called her, delivered her holy communion, took her to get her hair done, brought her library books, took her to Dr visits and cleaned her house,….. together we respected her wishes and allowed her to live with dignity……but most importantly we showered her with LOVE.
On a February 29th on a stretcher she left her house….” feet first”…. for her final ride,….. after only eleven day away her precious abode she was called to her eternal home with JESUS …….
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God`s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
FATHER GOD, ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO YOU,….. I humbly thank this community of love that HELPED ME KEEP A PROMISE. Father, I thank you for our “SWEET LITTLE ROSE, MAY SHE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE! The end.
Father God, I thank you for the words of this eulogy, I found out last night that you woke both Rose`s niece Karen and myself at 4 am on Wednesday to write our eulogies! Probably no co-inky-dink, thank you! Father, thank you for the love, support and strength during these last couple of weeks. As difficult as it was to bid farewell to Rose, it brings me immense comfort to know that she is pain free from this earthly body and in your presence. Father, please send angels to hold me up as I deliver this eulogy and tribute for my lovely friend! Big strong angels!
Father God, I will keep my focus on you, day by day, to complete the task that lay in front of me. Thank you for leading me to this fast, you certainly knew that I would need to have my heart, soul and Spirit in alignment to receive your love and mercy. Father God, thank you for the life lessons that you have walked me through; I know that you will never leave or forsake me.
Father, thank you for the healing that has begun in my family. What a blessing to lead my niece Mandy in prayer yesterday, as she shared her heart`s desire for you. I know that angels in heaven rejoiced upon hearing her confessions of repentance, forgiveness and acceptance of your free gift, JESUS THE CHRIST. Thank you for this amazing gift in the midst of our sorrow as we mourn the passing of "Sweet Little Rose." Isaiah 26:12 LORD you establish peace for us; all we have accomplished you have done for us. AMEN........your faithful servant and precious daughter, Linda!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
"Feet First" Day 385
Matthew 15:29-30 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on the mountain and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others and laid them at his feet; and He healed them.
Early morn on February 28th I received a call from my dear friend Rose, "Linda can you come right away, I`ve been sick and throwing up all night." What we thought to be just a belly bug led us into a journey that would change my life and daily existence. It took great persistence and pleading for Rose to allow us to call 911, what a stubborn little retired nurse! It was time for a visit to the hospital. At the time, I believed a short visit for re- hydration, would soon allow Rose to return to her "home sweet home."
Rose was very determined to remain independent and dwell in the home that she had shared with her late beloved husband, Mike. A lovely modest ranch home that sat amidst 30 some acres, that she and Mike had worked hard to pay for. For over 50 years this was a home full of love, compassion, family and friendship! I certainly couldn`t fault her for wanting to abide in the comfort of her own home.
I promised her that I would do whatever it took to help her to stay in her home; "Linda, I want to leave here feet first." Alright, Rose I get it, who am I to argue with an 89 year old head strong little Italian woman? Job 29:4-6 Oh, for the day when I was in my prime, when God`s intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still and my children(family and friends) were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.
On a rainy night on the extra day in February, Rose rolled out her front door " feet first" on a stretcher en route to Union hospital. My niece Mandy and I followed the ambulance close behind; none of us where prepared for the next eleven days. Rose truly believed that she soon return home! At the time, I failed to question the definition of "HOME."
As nieces, Karen, Paula and Nancy arrived we share a roller coaster of highs and lows, praying that "God`s Will be done." I was embraced as a sister as we endured the difficulties and pain that we witnessed for our beloved, Rose. The love that Rose had shed for each of us opened our souls to one another.
During the week like many, I had the opportunity to express my love to Rose and receive in return her smiles of love and compassion. She knew that she was loved, with strength and dignity she told me not to cry; that was something that I couldn`t promise! Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
On Sunday morning March 11th, I was called to Union Hospital for a final farewell. As I drove, I clenched my Emmaus cross, praying and begging God to allow me to arrive before He called her "HOME." Help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus! My heart was breaking, I was strenghtned by Jesus.....he may have been driving, Jesus take the wheel! Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.
I joined Paula and Nancy at Rose`s bed side, God had answered my call, once again I whispered words of love and prayed for God to welcome her into her eternal home. Approximately 10 minutes after my arrival, Rose peacefully went HOME! Thank you, Jesus.....John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Revelation 21:6 He said to me; "It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life...............AMEN.
Father God, I thank you for Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora, what a blessing to share nearly 40 years of love and friendship. Thank you for answering prayers and for allowing me and many others to help Rose to stay in her home! She was surrounded by a community of love. She loved you so, she lived the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rose was love, the hands and feet of Jesus.
Early morn on February 28th I received a call from my dear friend Rose, "Linda can you come right away, I`ve been sick and throwing up all night." What we thought to be just a belly bug led us into a journey that would change my life and daily existence. It took great persistence and pleading for Rose to allow us to call 911, what a stubborn little retired nurse! It was time for a visit to the hospital. At the time, I believed a short visit for re- hydration, would soon allow Rose to return to her "home sweet home."
Rose was very determined to remain independent and dwell in the home that she had shared with her late beloved husband, Mike. A lovely modest ranch home that sat amidst 30 some acres, that she and Mike had worked hard to pay for. For over 50 years this was a home full of love, compassion, family and friendship! I certainly couldn`t fault her for wanting to abide in the comfort of her own home.
I promised her that I would do whatever it took to help her to stay in her home; "Linda, I want to leave here feet first." Alright, Rose I get it, who am I to argue with an 89 year old head strong little Italian woman? Job 29:4-6 Oh, for the day when I was in my prime, when God`s intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still and my children(family and friends) were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.
On a rainy night on the extra day in February, Rose rolled out her front door " feet first" on a stretcher en route to Union hospital. My niece Mandy and I followed the ambulance close behind; none of us where prepared for the next eleven days. Rose truly believed that she soon return home! At the time, I failed to question the definition of "HOME."
As nieces, Karen, Paula and Nancy arrived we share a roller coaster of highs and lows, praying that "God`s Will be done." I was embraced as a sister as we endured the difficulties and pain that we witnessed for our beloved, Rose. The love that Rose had shed for each of us opened our souls to one another.
During the week like many, I had the opportunity to express my love to Rose and receive in return her smiles of love and compassion. She knew that she was loved, with strength and dignity she told me not to cry; that was something that I couldn`t promise! Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
On Sunday morning March 11th, I was called to Union Hospital for a final farewell. As I drove, I clenched my Emmaus cross, praying and begging God to allow me to arrive before He called her "HOME." Help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus, help me Jesus! My heart was breaking, I was strenghtned by Jesus.....he may have been driving, Jesus take the wheel! Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.
I joined Paula and Nancy at Rose`s bed side, God had answered my call, once again I whispered words of love and prayed for God to welcome her into her eternal home. Approximately 10 minutes after my arrival, Rose peacefully went HOME! Thank you, Jesus.....John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Revelation 21:6 He said to me; "It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life...............AMEN.
Father God, I thank you for Rose Violet Schiavone Pepiora, what a blessing to share nearly 40 years of love and friendship. Thank you for answering prayers and for allowing me and many others to help Rose to stay in her home! She was surrounded by a community of love. She loved you so, she lived the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rose was love, the hands and feet of Jesus.
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