Tuesday, December 9, 2014

United still

Good morning Folks ~ It is two years ago this morning that my dear husband, lover, friend, mentor and soul mate left this planet for his heavenly home. It seems like yesterday at times and then other times like an eternity.

I’ve come quite a way since that morning. God has been and continues to be my strength each and every day. While I still miss my husband every single day, the grief of my loss isn’t as raw as it was back then.  Knowing he is with Jesus fills my heart with peace. Knowing we will be together again one day gives me joy.

12-09-come-with-me

 

The following piece came in my email box the other day, in a daily devotional, but I don’t remember which one. It is perfect to post for this day.

***

E'en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief;

Death cannot long divide.

For is it not as though the rose that climbed my garden wall

Has blossomed on the other, side?

Death doth hide,

But not divide;

Thou art but on Christ's other side!

Thou art with Christ, and Christ with me;

In Christ united still are we.

***

My love continues to grow for Mark, as I remember our life and love together.

My love for Jesus grows as He continually draws me closer to Him.

One day Mark and I will be reunited. 

Until then may I age and grow gracefully in God’s tender love and care.

FlowerLady

“Love is Forever”

09-05-lovebirds5

 

30 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

No words can soften the pain of grief,so I'm sending big hugs your way. I do understand that pain.The wonderful part is that we WILL be reunited one day soon.

Deb said...

You have come so far in such a short time, I remember the day I read your words and my heart broke for you knowing what you would have to go through and what you are going through still. I'm so glad you have the deep spiritual comfort when all else seems lost.

Tracy said...

What a beautiful ornament! I'm so sorry your loss of your precious Mark. I can only imagine the pain. ((hugs))

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Merry Christmas, Rainey! Your faith is so inspiring.

S
xo

Nancy J said...

To me it seems like yesterday, to you a lifetime. Lovely words, and your faith, your friendships with all your friends across the oceans, your close friends and support groups, and your never-failing love for your darling Mark, always with you. Together, like the wee birds. Love, Hugs, and wishes for Peace in your heart. JeanXXX

Unknown said...

Lorraine,
I can only imagine what kind of emotions must be swirling around you today and I'm aware that words I could speak to you can't really help, but I also know that words I speak to our Heavenly Father can help a lot, so that's what I give you today- my prayer for you is that God will hold you tight and continue to mend your heart just as he has all along.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Teresa,
sugar, spice and whatever's nice

Darcie said...

Oh' Dearest Lorraine,
I remember reading about your husband two years ago, and my heart breaking for you. Then I have watched as you have walked gracefully through your sorrow. You have taught me so much with your quiet strength and your complete trust in the One above. Thinking of you today, and wishing I could hug you for real. You are a very special lady and friend. (((hugs))))

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a fantastic post, Lorraine. I know that Mark is up there in heaven doing God's work ---and I know that he is very very proud of you and how you have been able to carry on without him.

You WILL get to see him again someday --and until that time, you will just keep living the best way you can knowing that Mark is with you in spirit...

God Bless. Merry Christmas.

Hugs and Prayers,
Betsy

Mama Mess said...

So beautiful and so true.

Julie said...

Beautiful, Lorraine!!!!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Beautiful sentiments, beautifully written and shared Lorraine.
It seems hard to believe that 2 years has passed - it only seems so recently that we shared our first emails after Mark passed.
Love and thoughts are with you today and always and particularly leading up to this holy season.
Hugs
Rose

Debbie Harris said...

Beautiful, Lorraine, just beautiful. Sometimes there are no right words, but know that I am thinking of you during this time.
The lord is good to His own, isn't He?

Sweet blessings to you, Debbie

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Thinking of you and can't believe it has been two years! You have done so well with everything! The Herbal Husband and I are thinking of you and sending all positive herbal energy your way! xoxoxo

klaraau01 said...

Sending you love and Light and Peace and Prayers and Blessings

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Hugs and blessings!

Seawashed said...

And his love for you continues on growing. I wish you peace as you carry on without him. Bless your soul. xxo

Susan said...

Lorraine, It is hard to believe it has been two years already. You are truly an inspiration and a testament to how faith in God can get us through anything. Love does truly endure forever! A warm hug to you.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, Rainey. Two years ~ hardly seems possible . . . but I know what you mean about it feeling like yesterday one day and eternity the next.

Love and hugs to you,

Elizabeth

crafty cat corner said...

I love the bit about the rose on the other side of the wall, what a lovely way to think of you departed.
So glad that you are keeping strong Lorraine,
Hugs
Briony
x

Rebecca said...

Oh, Lorraine! How beautifully you are unfolding as your grief and sadness runs their courses. I pray that you'll experience the gentle joy of Christmas in proportion to your loss.

By the way, I share your desire to "age and grow gracefully in God’s tender love and care."

♥Rebecca

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

thinking of you
with a smile and love...

tina said...

You have come through the trip wonderfully and he would be proud of you. Stay strong. Hugs to you.

Balisha said...

Bless you.....perfect sentiment for today. It doesn't seem like 2 yrs. I'm sure it does for you. May you continue on with your healing.
Balisha

Kit said...

Thinking of you! I know how hard this has been, but you have done so well at continuing the process of living and he would be so proud of you. :) Love ya, Kit

Sandy said...

Beautifully shared, Lorraine. It doesn't seem like it has been two years since your Mark journeyed home to heaven. I hope each month has gotten easier for you. I am sure it must be harder during times such as Christmas. I think of you often. I hope your holiday season is filled with the presence of God.
Blessings~

Deborah Montgomery said...

Blessings to you Lorraine. I pray for you and Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm almost daily. I love the visual of the rose climbing over the wall, and blooming on the other side. Love to you, Deborah

Deb J. in Utah said...

Thinking of you today, Lorraine. Yes, it is true, Families can be forever. Hugs and love to you from your friend in Arizona.

M.K. said...

Sweet, sweet post, dear friend. It is quite wonderful to me that death, and the temporary separation you have from your husband, is actually a means for you to become closer to Jesus. That's a cool idea! "In Christ united still are we." Lovely. May your heart be warmed with love from both sides of this dual world.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Beautiful post and lovely words from your devotional. I can't imagine the loss you feel but so nice to find strength and peace in Jesus.

Val said...

Love to you, Lorraine. ♥