Beautifully said, Karl. I will always remember how life changing one particular Lent was for me and your guidance and compassion along the way. Every journey through this season finds me hearing God in a new way and leading me in a new way.
God bless you and keep you
Diana
Karl,
Your "loose ends" was expressed beautifully. Isn't it amazing how much we learn from the Bible and how much strength we gain from our faith? Truly so many blessings on earth to enjoy and be thankful for. Last year Jeff's Mom went to be with the Lord and we were so happy to have her come and live with us during her last few months. When she was close to her time of leaving us, Jeff's brothers arrived and my sister in law Lucy said the rosary bedside. Stella was no longer speaking or moving and was in her last hours. As Lucy was praying out loud, Stella began to move her head back and forth and she raised both hands. It was as if she was reaching out to God. It was so moving to see the Lord hold her hand and accompany her from our earthly side, to His heavenly side. There was so much peace for us knowing that she was not alone and she was with our Lord! I know it was hard for her to leave, and it's so hard on those being left. Stella and you have been given the gift of time for preparation. And that's priceless. Your words and talents and deeds will live on forever and stories will be shared about Dad, Grandpa, Husband, Brother, Friend - Karl. You said it best saying that "if Jesus can finish in incompletion," you can too!! Bless you Karl and it's not over until God says it is! Miracles DO happen!! Love you and Thank you!
Karl,
May God give you peace in this season of Lent, as we all contemplate about how we will not be around at the end of earthly life to guide and be with those who continue to live on without us, but not without God to guide them.
You must know you have helped others in your lifetime as they have also contemplated many issues that were puzzling to solve and you will continue until your body is unable to continue to meet the demands of being on earth.
These are beautiful words, Karl. I am a huge fan of books about fearless explorers who climb Mount Everest or navigate the Amazon. You are one of those explorers, describing your journey so eloquently and marking the trail for all of us who will follow. I am so grateful for you, my fearless and faithful friend. Your ministry continues with every word you write.
Karl, your words are beyond beautifully put together as always. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers . God is with you and yours. You all are loved 💕🙏 Love Amanda Chidgey
Karl, It seems that by sharing your deepest thoughts and naming the “loose ends” that form your grieving, you have in concert with the Holy Spirit shared an extraordinary gift which those of us who grieve with you, and struggle within ourselves ultimately must contend. Life is always unfinished - that’s the mystery into which we have all been born. I trust that you may find comfort by being assured that you are God’s faithful companion who has graciously and generously allowed God to live through your life and the gifts through which you have shared God to the fullest. We all will miss out on events and relationships that would likely bring us joy and pain - but we will not miss out on the unconditional love and grace of God that has no end. Love you dearly brother, Ron
We always want more. Of course! But wow! What a blessing you have been to so many! Please know that your work on this earth will continue long after you are gone and your love will grow in so many. Peace for you Karl. Thanks for sharing. ♥️
Indeed, Karl, finished is not completed. You long ago finished suggesting my name as the Jones lecturer, But that had led to a relationship with APTS that I could never have imagined, a relationship that is neither finished nor completed. Thank you
Karl, I discovered a shared friend at a women's retreat. I was sharing something you taught and used at Grosse Ile Presby. "You are a child of God. Sealed by the Holy Spirit. Marked as Christ's forever. Nothing anyone says or does can make that not true." Terri Bate joined me in saying it. It was something that each of us had learned from you at different times and had brought us together in Christ at that retreat.
Karl, you have such a glorious gift of putting words together like no other. My 2 favorite sermons of yours, the Sunday after 9/11 and the one on The Trinity. Aside from sermons, your support and guidance through the personal struggles I experienced while attending GIPC was immeasurable.
I pray that you will consider how you might collect your writings and share them. Your messages are a gift to us, to help us to tie up loose ends. In the meantime, I'm glad to have this opportunity to reconnect. You and Jaci remain in my prayers. May God continue to bless you both.
God bless you and keep you
Diana