We took a spur of the moment road trip to comfort her after her son Max died earlier this week.
So we end this year on a rather sad note – yet my thoughts are on eternity where Max will suffer no more.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer in November and he took his last breath on Tuesday, December 27th.
My son Zane with Cousin Max Krakenberg
Max was larger than life.
His voice boomed loud and strong.
His smile was wide and beautiful.
He served his country in Vietnam.
Max will be missed by his family who loved him.
Nancy, Kathy, Dennis and Max
As we say “Goodbye” to 2011 we also say “See you on the other side” to cousin Max Krakenberg.
I look forward to celebrating Max’s life with our family on January 13, 2012 where we will share memories of a man who lived a BIG life and will be missed.
I think about this Scripture tonight as I pray for all who are grieving the loss of a loved one this year. For all of us who look forward to when Jesus returns.
Revelation 21:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
As I contemplate 2012, I look forward to the New Year when the book I co-wrote with my son, Gabe, is released. (My Message is C.L.E.A.R. – Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities – see www.GabesHOPE.org for updates on the release date.)
I look forward to a continued season of personal growth and change.
Growth of my faith and love for God through the study of His Word.
Growth in my marriage and family relationships by continuing to seek God’s best in all areas of my family life.
Change of my body as I try to get back in shape and take better care of myself!
As you say goodbye to 2011, what are you looking forward to in 2012?
I pray you will achieve your goals in the New Year and that the Spirit of the Living God will set you on the path of God’s will.
God's Blessing on Your 2012
God Bless Your New Year!
Gigi
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Actually I’ve been thinking about it all week.
I read the touching FaceBook post my writing friend Kim wrote shortly after her husband took his last breath as he lay next to her.
I read an email from my sweet friend Cheryl, just moments after she received a phone call that her mom had passed away.
A devoted husband. A loving mother. Gone in the blink of an eye.
Today marks the 4th anniversary of the day I held my mom’s hand and watched her chest rise and fall for the last time.
So surreal. Such a sadness and joy all mixed up together.
Mom holding Gabe
Sadness at the thought of not hearing the clanking of her spoon as she stirred the coffee she shared with great conversation.
Sadness because I miss her smile and her laugh that always added to an encouraging word.
Sadness when I wish she was here to listen to my broken heart and give me advice in these changing times.
Mom and me at my wedding 26 years ago
Joy in understanding that in the instant she breathed her last breath she was escorted into Heaven because she loved Jesus.
Joy in imagining her dancing with my dad without the limp she walked with for seventy long years.
Joy in knowing I will one day see her again.
An encouraging word before my big day
I’m not going to take today for granted. How about you?
In an instant. In a breath. In a moment. It could be gone.
Take a deep breath and smile as you thank God for another day.
God Bless Your Heart!
Gigi ]]>
Friday, October 14th, Gabe is speaking his C.L.E.A.R. message at the Philipsburg schools.
Gabe will be sharing his story right where my husband Steve attended school for elementary through high school.
Philipsburg School
On Sunday, October 16th I’ll be sharing a message titled “Courage and Care” with a group of women at an afternoon tea. If you happen to be in Philipsburg on Sunday, join us at the Granite County Museum at 4:00 PM.
It is always fun going back to our roots.
We are certainly learning about how those roots affected our ability to love in the How We Love small group study Steve and I are attending with a great group of people.
This week we discussed my most common love style – the Avoider.
As the eighth of ten children, it is not surprising that this is my dominant love imprint!
My second highest imprint is PLEASER style.
Makes sense. I avoid conflict at all costs so I am a people pleaser. It is hard for me to say “no.”
Can I say I’d just like to dig that root up and plant something a little bit healthier?
Through the How We Love book, I’m learning new skills to do just that.
I hope you have taken the time to take the How We Love Test.
If not, click here and take it. http://www.howwelove.com/hwlstylestest/HWLLoveStyleTest.aspx
Come back and tell me what your dominant love imprint style is. I’d love you to leave a comment on my blog.
It will be fun to dialogue about how this has affected our lives.
I’ve got a couple blogs drafted to share with you the jewels I’ve mined as I’ve dug up this root. So come back to learn more next week.
I’ll be flying the friendly skies tonight. That gives us more time to hang in Missoula and Philipsburg with my family.
I’m really looking forward to walking around the University of Montana Oval and kicking up a few leaves. Oh so many memories.
University of Montana Main Hall in the fall.
I love fall in Montana. And I love learning better ways to express my love.
God bless you today with an understanding that God wants to help you learn how to love.
Gigi
The How We Love book can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking on this link:
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