Going Home

Ranked #1,802 in Music, #49,503 overall

A Heavenly Home

Up until a few years ago I had never really suffered a loss in my life of great magnitude such as a loved one. In a matter of a few days my life changed and so did my relationship with my family.

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?

In the Middle of the Night

Photo by favored1It was 3:00 am and my husband was on the midnight shift at work when a loud knock came on the door. I didn't move a muscle as I heard someone walking around to the back of the house. A flashlight flooded my bedroom, sweeping across the windows in the front of the house. Quietly I picked up the phone and frantically dialed my husband. Over and over I punched in the numbers of his cell phone, but he didn't answer. Then I heard a car door close. The man had left and my panic subsided.

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

Photo credit google royalty free imagesWhat do you do when there is no time to prepare? When a storm comes unexpectedly and takes away all you 've ever known; where do you turn for help and comfort? Will you know peace that passes all understanding? I found myself asking these questions and more when I entered into the world so many others had crossed over to in their own lives.

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

Photo by favored1My 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

Photo by favored1Almost 60 years ago this picture of my mother with my father (on the right) was taken. She was a tiny, 4'10" lady with a huge talent to sing, write and play music. She was known as a one of the greatest true yodelers from her half German heritage. After her family grew, she rarely yodeled for anyone but her children. With a bit of pleading and coaching, Mom would never let us down. As we kneeled at her feet with finely tuned ears waiting in anticipation, mom would yodel her glorious songs.

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

This video contains rare photographs. Please keep in mind the age of the recording. Thanks.
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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.

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Precious Memories

We sang our way through Mom, just as you would want.

Jim Reeves was one of my parents favorite country recording artists. Sunday afternoons and early evenings we could hear the soft sweet voice of Mr. Reeves as we settled down for the night. Precious memories just seems fitting doesn't it? After all, memories are what we cherish most when someone moves on to glory. With that in mind, take a look at some of my mother's favorites.
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Something else, wasn't it?

Yodeling and then some doodling

Photo by favored1

On almost everything you found that had Mom's writing on it was a bit of her doodling. She loved to doodle as you can see.

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Momma's Favorite Song

Peace that passes all my understanding.

When I find that life is a little too much to handle, I know that I need to slip away into a quiet place where I can hear that still small voice inside me saying, "Everything is gonna be alright." The voice of the Holy Spirit is hard to hear sometimes, but when I go to my garden in prayer I can see God is still at work and in control. I take a deep breath and sit still.

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a
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They Simply Outran Us

Mom caught a glimpse of Heaven

Photo by favored1While watching a television program, I heard a voice say, "They just outran us". It was Dottie Rambo speaking of her lifetime friend, Vestal Goodman. Her statement was comforting and full of hope, I thought, as it reminded me of what Kenneth Hagin, Sr. said: "If I'm gone, you know that I was satisfied," meaning he had finished his course and race successfully. He left, so he must have been satisfied.

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.

Take a stroll down a path with us by viewing the photographs as you listen to this instrumental. Or perhaps you just want to sit back with some precious memories of your loved ones, as you watch the beautiful view of the life paths we all take on our journey.
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Saying Good-bye

Photo by favored1

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)

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Going Home, Where I Belong

Momma's home...where she belongs.

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Psalm 23

Roses will bloom again, just wait and see.

In times like these, it's hard to believe life will ever be the same again. Well, in many ways it won't, but because of the love of God, in time we will experience the wonder of a new spring in our lives. For some it may take a little longer, but my friend, 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.
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Valley Walker

Photo by favored1Anyone who has suffered a major loss of any kind has felt that they were in a deep valley or pit. Perhaps you have been in that deep valley or shadow of death yourself. Maybe you're in the middle of the deepest valley you've ever experienced and you feel there is no hope or way out of it. The Bible shares a time when King David was in that same valley you might be experiencing in your life right now. His trust in God to walk through the valley with him helped David not to give up and stay in the valley. He didn't become a valley dweller, but rather a 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?

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It's What She Lived

It's More than Giving...It's About Changing Lives

Photo by favored1Besides her family, nothing came close to my mother's love for her Lord Jesus. As a tribute to her, Living Legacy Bbile Foundation was founded and sends bibles all around the world.

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

Please click on the Living Legacy link below to learn more about this foundation.
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Comfort in the Time of Storm

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Loving Remembrance Heirloom Porcelain Bereavement Candleholder

by Thomas Kinkade

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Come unto me and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Thomas Kinkade In Memoriam Personalized Bereavement Wall Decor

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The name of the individual is inscribed at the bottom of the print.

Music to Comfort the Weary Soul

Songs featured in this tribute.

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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

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Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Visions of Peace

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Important!

Mom, I'll always love you!

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?

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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!
  • tinamahan Mar 30, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    A page worth sharing, so I did on Twitter. I hope you don't mind.
  • tinamahan Mar 30, 2012 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    Such a beautiful page,thank you for sharing your memories with us!
  • flicker Mar 13, 2012 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    Very moving tribute to your mother. Thanks for sharing it.
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Need music for worship or just for listening? Get the newest in worship, music, books and relationships at Sonlight Music & More.

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Thank you Andy Po for the #100 like.

Copyrighted material. 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

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