Going Home
Ranked #1,802 in Music, #49,503 overall
A Heavenly Home
Things were spinning out of control and I had no way of stopping them. I found that I had to deal with emotions I didn't know how to and with situations that never crossed my thinking.
As the months would pass my family and I have had to cope with the grief and sorrow of saying good-bye to a woman who truly loved others to the fullest. In the saddness and pain, here I share how prayer, music and love helped us grow closer to God and one another.
Have you a moment to sit a spell as I share our story?
Along the Journey
Come spend some time and walk with me a little.
Copyrighted material by favored1. Do not copy.
Photos by favored1 or Googe Images Royalty Free Domain. Animated flickering candles by AnimateIt,net. Animated rose candle and angel by GlitterGraphics.com
In the Middle of the Night
Once again I heard a knock on the door at 6:00 am. This time I was able to reach my husband and he was already on his way home. It wasn't long before we learned that it was the police trying to reach me with an emergency call from back home. It was about my mother who was taken to the hospital hours before, and by now she was in emergency surgery with her life hanging by a thread.
The entire family, all except me, was at her bedside. Living almost 1,500 miles away I would do my best to get there, but within 48 hours she was gone. It was too late.
(Poem written by my brother for the Home Going Service)
Never said good-bye
Mom had moved to Heaven with no warning that she would be going. I never got a chance to hold her or say the things that mattered most. Screaming out to God as I sat up in bed, I pounded the covers over and over as if that would help relieve the pain. My Christian faith and prayers seemed to fail as my husband sat there in denial also. He knew of my pain through past experience, and that there was no where to go except through the fire. He would be there as the Christ head of our home to pick me up when my fall would come. And it did.
(Photo by google images)
How She Loved
My strength would come in small intervals as I remembered the details of my mother's life. What I clung to was her life, walk and testimony. Mom's faith in Jesus was more real to her than Earth, and her life told the story to all because of how she loved, "She Loved Much."Her passion for her Savior, family & music is what drove Mom in everything she did. "Going Home" is a tribute to honor all she contributed in life, by how she touched millions of people around the world with genunine love and understanding. Our family began to realize just how much Mom did as her life story unfolded. Testimony after testimony came in about what she had actually done for others literally around the globe.
Mom gave to anyone in need meeting countless physical, emotional, fiancial and spiritual needs. She loved everyone and left judging others to Jesus. (Photo is my mom with my niece.)
The Early Years
Introducing The Hilltop Serenaders
This is the only reel-to-reel copy of the band that has been made public with permission.
A Rare Find: Mom's Yodeling
Mom's rendition of The Ding Dong Bells Polka
Uniquely Different Don't You Think?
No matter how hard we tried, none of us (the kids) learned to yodel. It would be the funniest thing to hear as we tried to copy the sounds Mom would make as she yodeled. Nothing came close. It clearly is a talent and gift from God.
Precious Memories
We sang our way through Mom, just as you would want.
Momma's Favorite Song
Peace that passes all my understanding.
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a
They Simply Outran Us
Mom caught a glimpse of Heaven
How fulfilling it must be to know you have been faithful to the race God has set before you. They were not sad leaving here, but looked forward to the prize at the end of the race to see King Jesus. Mom felt the same way and longed for when she would see her Lord.
Maybe a loved one of yours has left this earth and gone home, leaving you behind to continue the race. Mark Lowry once said, "Don't be sad for them, they're home. Be sad for me, I'm still here." He was joking in a sense, but in reality he was making a statement all believers feel deep down inside. This world is not our home, we're just passing through until we reach our real home in Heaven.
While others may have outrun us in this life's journey race, those of us remaining still have a job to do while waiting to be caught up with Jesus. We are to stay focused on the prize and on the race. Don't worry, eventually, we'll catch up!
"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus..." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Photo: Mom with her sister a month before my Aunt left for Heaven. One month later Mom would join her sister.(Copyrighted/permission given by author, which is me)
We all will have one last Hallelujah.
Saying Good-bye
There are people in your life that you never think about not being there one day, like your mother. My mother was a person who was the strength of her family. She was Mom, counsellor, spiritual guide and friend. When she decided to let go, and move to Heaven, I didn't realize the vast emptiness that would be left in my life. It is to all those that have lost someone they care about deeply that this page was written.
What we have learned, especially me, is that Mom did prepare us for life's unexpected changes. She lived her faith and taught us about God, salvation through Jesus Christ, to embrace music and most of all, to love one another. The other thing we learned is that we didn't really need to say good-bye to someone we will see again, and that our sorrow will one day be turned to gladness. The way it all comes together is through a relationship with God and His Word. You cannot do it any other way.
Sharing Mom's story is probably the hardest thing I have ever written. Tears run down my face as I have tried to map out what I needed to say. Perhaps you can relate to this home going story in some way. I hope I have shared it with compassion and grace, for it's one we all share along our journey. (Photo by favored1)
Psalm 23
Roses will bloom again, just wait and see.
Throughout the years many have found God's peace and great comfort in this Song of David. It reminds us of the promises of God for us here on Earth and in Heaven. May it be an encouragement to you as you listen and dwell in His arms.
Artist Note:Original psalm 23 music by Gerd Noya. Music playing, composing, arrangement, and vocal by Gerd Noya. Home recording, with our pictures of Oregon's beauty. You are welcome to use this song and slides for God's cause (send us a note if possible to let us know; it will encourage us). God bless you. Praise The Lord.
Valley Walker
As David believed God's Word, his valley stays (length of time he was in the valley) came less often, and became easier to walk through. Knowing God is right beside you makes all the difference. With Jesus by your side, each trial, tribulation or tragedy becomes bearable, until one day you will have walked through to the other side of the valley. It's time to come out of the valley beloved. Don't be afraid or try to walk alone. Jesus will walk with you or carry you if need be. But don't give up and choose to stay in the valley. That valley is keeping you from God's healing for your heart.
Get up and begin to walk through the valley to the other side. God didn't intend for you to stay in the valley. As Jesus said, "Get up and walk! Be healed, spirit, soul and body."
"Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: because You, oh Lord, are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (emphasis mine)
(Copyrighted/permission given by author, which is me)
What would you say?
If you could say something to your loved one, what would it be?
It's What She Lived
It's More than Giving...It's About Changing Lives
Believers in Jesus Christ know that every Christian passes from life-to-life (life here on Earth to life eternal in Heaven). Living Legacy Bible Foundation is a ministry that honors the life of a loved one now living in Heaven. Many donate (so we can purchase Bibles) to sow in honor of special events of an organization or accomplishments of an individual.
All proceeds from this site are donated to Living Legacy Bible Foundation through Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries, Inc.Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 outreach/organization.
Thanks for spending some time with me. May the God of peace comfort and keep you in your time of need.
Read about Living Legacy Bible Foundation
Comfort in the Time of Storm
Blessed by the Best
Special Thanks to Squid Angels
Angels all around us.
Loving Remembrance Heirloom Porcelain Bereavement Candleholder
by Thomas Kinkade
Come unto me and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Thomas Kinkade In Memoriam Personalized Bereavement Wall Decor
Amazon Price: (as of 05/31/2012)![]()
The name of the individual is inscribed at the bottom of the print.
Music to Comfort the Weary Soul
Songs featured in this tribute.
Conquering the Storm
With God we are more than conquerors. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that.
Thomas Kincade Conquering The Storm Egg
Amazon Price: (as of 05/31/2012)![]()
Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Visions of Peace
Purple Star Award
Going Home won a Purple Star Award on January 6th, 2012.
I am so grateful that this page won an award.I dedicate it to my Mom, who deserves the credit.
May God be praised!
What helped you face the storm?
Share what you did when words didn't help.
Would you help someone else by sharing things that comforted you?
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TheLifestyleChanger
May 26, 2012 @ 11:56 pm | delete
- I am visiting again to leave blessings to you and your family. May the candle ever be alight for your mother.
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LittleLindaPinda May 23, 2012 @ 9:12 pm | delete
- I just voted for this lens as the "Best Lens Ever" It is so beautiful and touching.
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LornsA178
May 23, 2012 @ 12:19 pm | delete
- I have to comeback and bless this lens. It touched my heart the first time I read this. It was so timely during that time - I just lost my Dad.
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LittleLindaPinda May 13, 2012 @ 3:50 pm | delete
- I thought about you and your mom in church this morning. You both are an inspiration to me. You inspired me to write and make a video about my dad (technically stepfather) but he was my DAD! I sang "Daddy's Hands" at church for which ended up being his last Fathers Day. Creating the video and listening to the song helps me.
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cyndi
Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:11 am | delete
- Mom,
It has been a rough year for our family here on earth, but a great one for you as you welcomed Tom and Danny into heaven just 8 days apart. My heart is breaking but rejoicing at the same time knowing that three loves of my life are together. I miss you so much and still think about you every day. Please have fun with my husband and brother. I love you mom.
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ajgodinho Apr 17, 2012 @ 12:46 pm | delete
- What a heartfelt tribute to your mom through this beautiful crafted lens. I enjoyed listening to her yodeling...boy, that must be difficult. I'll settle for the doodling! :) I remember listening to Jim Reeves growing up so it took me down memory lane. I lost my loving dad over a decade ago, but still miss him so much, so I know the pain of losing someone so close. May her soul rest in eternal peace in the Lord. Stay blessed!
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tvyps
Apr 16, 2012 @ 6:28 pm | delete
- This is such a great lens! I see that you were rewarded with Purple! Congratulations! I liked Thomas Kinkade and see you have him on here, how fitting! He is now painting murals for God in Heaven. I lost my Mother several years ago and will be doing a tribute to her soon. She was Catholic and I hat it when people have said that Catholics don't go to Heaven. My Mom believed in the Savior, just like any other Christian and I know she is there waiting for me. Your lens touched me. God Bless and Squid Angel blessed!
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tinamahan
Mar 30, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- A page worth sharing, so I did on Twitter. I hope you don't mind.
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tinamahan
Mar 30, 2012 @ 3:16 pm | delete
- Such a beautiful page,thank you for sharing your memories with us!
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flicker
Mar 13, 2012 @ 4:57 pm | delete
- Very moving tribute to your mother. Thanks for sharing it.
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