The Celebration (August 24, 2009)

I began an entry about the funeral the day after it was in August but never quite finished because I felt that my words didn't do the service justice! I know that some family and friends who wanted to be there were unable to be or if you were and are like me, might wish you could remember that really inspiring thing that someone said... Good news! Ang phoned me tonight and said, "I finally found the website the funeral is on!" The staff at Outreach Canada had the service videotaped and have had it available on their website!

There are times in life when you kind of hope that God will show up and then there are times when you just know and expect that He will. I expected God to move at the funeral and did He ever! Those who already know Christ were challenged to live the same kind of abundant life and those who have never accepted Jesus Christ into their life as their Saviour were challenged to receive the free gift of salvation.

A year ago last spring, we were driving home from a funeral and my dad said to me, "When I die, I don't want people to be sad. I want them to celebrate and talk about Jesus!" I teased him and said, "Of course you would. You'll still be witnessing to people even after you're gone!" And did he ever. As Brian said, "The message is not what is being spoken today but the life that has been lived before you."

I took a deep breath as I began to watch and knew there was no point in trying to keep the tears in. It's hard to believe it was less than three months ago. In addition to being reminded of how very, very, much I miss him, I was reminded of the many spiritual challenges that I received. The whole service is about 2 hours but it's nicely divided up on the toolbar on the right so you can pick and choose sections if you would like, but whatever section, grab some kleenex!

http://outreach.ca/now/jesse/