Friday, January 12, 2007

The Lord's Grace

It has been one week now since my mom has passed away. I guess it seems like longer since our days have been so long. I wanted to write though, to say how merciful the Lord has been to us. This whole week should have been a time for mourning, but he has gotten us through with his grace. I won't lie, I have been sad, but I haven't really dwelled on the issue too much. This could be a result of our company also...I guess. We had friends from Kentucky and California here. It was hard to see them go, because I thought for sure they were what was keeping our minds clear. But it's been okay, they are gone, and we are doing fine. Praise God!

Thank you everyone who has posted such encouraging comments. I do really appreciate all of the prayers and support you have all given. Even though, you don't know my Mom (most of you) I thought I would still post her Memorial Page. Mem.com and type in Carter. Her name was Peri Carter so you will have to scroll for awhile or click on 20. (You will know what I mean when you get there!) My mother was a blessing to many and an encouragement to all. We will never forget her.

Here is a copy of what I read at the funeral. The Lord was so gracious to get me through it. Here it is:

My Dad asked me to write something for the funeral today, so I am going to try my best to get through this. Growing up, my Mom and I were so close. Since I was little we did lots of things to bond together. She would rub my arm and we would just sit and talk for hours. I was her princess, at least she said I was. Actually, I believed I was my Mom’s favorite. Not until I was 16 did my Mom tell me that she told all of us kids that. I still like to believe I was though.

Through the last 5 years I have seen my Mom’s faith grow in more ways then one. When I was 14 my Mom made the major decision to take us out of public school and homeschool us. Even though she was a working Mom, she knew it was the right thing to take us out of school. I know it was scary for her, not knowing if it would work. But she in faith, did it, and knew that the Lord would work it all out. And he did. Then just a few years later my Mom told us the news about her getting married. I know I gave her so much opposition, but believing that God would work everything out, she married him anyway. ☺ We are all so greatful that she did. She also agreed to the decision of quitting her job. As most of you know, my Mom was really tight with her money, so quitting her job was a big step. We cut our income 60%, but my Mom knew that the Lord would take care of us, like he had before.

Then in August when my Mom was diagnosed with cancer, she once again put her faith to the test. She didn’t want chemo and radiation or surgery, because she believed like us that God would heal her without it. Through the first months, I actually went to her scared, of what may happen, but she assured me that everything would be okay no matter what happened. She knew if she died she would go to heaven and that didn’t scare her. I just had to have faith that God could heal her, having this faith, gave me hope. That was the whole reason for the mustard seed necklaces. Each day I wore it, I knew I was holding onto my faith. I couldn’t give up.

Although, my Mom did pass away, I don’t regret thinking she would be healed at all. I know that if I didn’t have enough faith to give me hope, then I couldn’t have made it through a lot of these rough times. When my Mom died, the first thing that went through my head was, Mom is with Jesus now. It’s what she has always wanted. Now, I just have to suffer with the loss. She will never see me marry, or her grandkids, but these are all vain things, right now I know she is rejoicing in heaven.

I will always miss my Mom and I will always love her. I am so blessed to have been able to take care of her the last few months. It was such a pleasure for me and I got to bond with my Mom in a new way. No more rubbing arms or girly talks, but I could just lay there with her and that was better then anything. Mostly, I will never forget the faith my Mom had. I pray that one day I can be just like her.


Thanks again for the prayers!
Danielle

8 comments:

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

I am praying for you today... God is a faithful Father... He will continue to carry you.

You are loved.

All is gift,
Ann V.

Anonymous said...

Under His Wings (we) are safely abiding.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Psalm 91:4

Love you,
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Wow, Danielle. I'm glad that you did take the time to write that out for the service. That is really special. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully I'll see you this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! I'm very happy to hear that you have been coping so well!

Hannah-Liz said...

I'll be praying for you and your family.

Abigail Snyder said...

Praying for you and your family -- that you would know His faithfulness, love, and peace...and that you would continue to praise Him, even through the storms!

Gabe and Mandy said...

I'm glad you posted what you wrote for those of us who didn't make it to the funeral!

Elizabeth Pruett said...

That is a wonderful tribute!