Reflections

Two Mondays ago (11-17) was our dear friend Shellie's "viewing". It was held at our church, which was beautifully decorated. There were alot of photos of Shellie and her family and friends. There were also pictures being shown on the two screens we have in the "sanctuary" (our church is actually in what used to be a two-story office building. Our "sanctuary" is on the second floor. It does not look like your typical church sanctuary, but we are cool with it! Our pastor's wife Cheri, and some others do a great job of creating a terrific atmosphere for worship!) Pretty sure I have never seen so many flowers in one place... except for maybe a flower shop. Praise and worship music played as approximately 1500 people came to encourage the family and reminisce.

The funeral was on Tuesday (11-18). Probably my favorite part was right at the end when "Your Grace Is Enough" was played and several people from our church stood up and sang and clapped to the song! There were probably people who thot we were freaks... but we are pretty sure this is the way Shellie would have wanted it:) Afterward, around 150-200 people went outside with pink and purple balloons, and after we each silently said a short prayer we released the balloons (we are still waiting for the environmental wackos to call us about this one:). Alot of people went to the short graveside service while several of us stayed to set-up for a dinner (It was neat to see the people of our church jump into action and work as a team on this:) . I would guess there were about 200 at the dinner.

Shellie was a special lady. God has made me the way I am - that's cool. But there are ways I would like to be more like Shellie...

Teardrops on My Keyboard

Today my friend Shelly went to be with Jesus. I have NEVER seen anyone face death with such ...cheer. My brother Joe Reed put it this way:

"My dear friend Shelly Nave passed away this morning (Friday). She had only recently been diagnosed with brain and liver cancer. She leaves behind her husband Tony, and two sons in their teens, Josh & Wyatt. I have never met anyone who walked in such peace throughout her life. May you rest now as you have lived. Your legacy will forever be written on the hearts of the men you helped shape, and the youth that you impacted deeply. Shalom."

She now sees HIM face to face. Oh death where is your sting? Oh grave where is your victory?