11/13/08

Yes, another month and some has slipped by. And it has been time marked with continuous change.

• The spectacular fall leaves - brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds, oh yes, the reds, have turned to browns and most here are down now.
• The conclusion of a tense presidential campaign and a new president-elect
• And our church family has kissed good-bye another young angel – precious, Christ-loving and brave 8 year old Kyla now indeed dancing and singing with Jessie, the angels, abd our Savior.

I felt I wanted to write again, but was having trouble making surface what it was my heart wanted to express this time. Our hearts do continued to be warmed and filled with stories or comments from people young and old of what an impact or impression Jessie made on them either in person or from reading her journal entries.

We heard about a new teacher at the high school on the first day of school who was approached by a smiling student asking her if she needed any help or directions around the school. She was stunned to learn two weeks later that the student who had stopped to ask her if she needed help had passed away.

We heard from a gentleman at our son’s athletic awards ceremony who had never met Jessie how reading her story, her journal entries had truly touched his life.

Eternal value. Are we open to opportunities, even looking for opportunities to do things and to speak words that have eternal value in God’s Kingdom?

Wednesday night at church the words I believe I was seeking for this writing were handed to me by a lovely friend in the form of a CD. The CD is by a Christian singer/songwriter; Sara Groves, whose music Jessie and I have both enjoyed and had often sung while driving along to various appointments. A special memory is when Jessie and I saw Sara in concert in South Carolina and had a moment to chat with her afterwards. That was just one of many special excursions Jessie and I had together and are placed in my treasure chest.

The CD is titled, Tell Me What You Know, and my friend told me that the 8^th track really made her think of Jessie. I popped it in as soon as I was in my car headed home. Sara has a beautiful touch on the piano, and her 8^th track is titled, I Saw What You Saw. I heard what my friend heard that so sings of Jessie. It is a lovely song and worth hearing. Here are a few of the lyrics:

(These words, I feel, are from Jessie)

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have but I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

(These words I hear about Jessie)

Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire

your courage asks me what I’m afraid of

your courage asks me what I am made of your courage asks me what I am afraid of

and what I know of love
and what I know of God.

Thank you all who continue to pray for us.

God bless,

The Garrens 4ever

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