Holly captured this when we were in Kentucky for our last time. Grandmama would had loved the pond that she had strategically placed in the right spot. (Insuch a Jany fashion.)
When I hear or see the date, June 3rd, my stature feels heaviness upon it. Yet, with that heaviness comes a feather-like sensation of God’s peace, strength, and comfort encompassing me.
Today I attended a beautiful and uplifting funeral for a lady from my church. Throughout the service I was reminded of thoughts of my mother-in-law, Rebecca Jane Shuff. The precious lady, whom I was attending her Celebration of Life service, adored my mom-in-love. When the song “Amazing Grace – My Chains Are Gone” was played, I clearly remember that song being played at Jany’s funeral. It wasn’t just that the commonly sang/played song “Amazing Grace” was echoing throughout the church, but it was the recollection of me raising my hands, giving God all the glory, on that somber day. God had given our family so much peace, strength, and comfort through it all…to God be the glory.
You see, Jany came into this world as a surprise to her parents. Her twin brother, Johnny, was born, but her mom and dad didn’t know there was another baby ready to enter this world also. Surprise! Here comes Jany. She came into this world as a surprise, and her leaving this world came as a shocker as well.
On June 3, 2013, Rebecca Jane Shuff entered Heaven’s Gates. I know God welcomed her with a smile and a “Well done, my faithful servant.”
I’m sitting on my back porch revisiting journal entries that I’ve published, and not published, about Jany. While tears are streaming down my face, I could sense her pulling my shoulders back (which she often had to remind me to do), lifting my head up, and saying “It is well with my soul.” When I looked up the most vibrant red bird flew in and perched itself on a pile of driftwood that we have collected. (Please click here to visit the special meaning behind this Comfort and Peace through the Birds). For it to land on the driftwood…that took it to another level. Again…peace, strength, and comfort…to God be the glory.
Tim and I had never seen this photo before until Jany’s sister posted it today. Thanks, aunt Peggy.
Journaling has become a very therapeutic outlet for me. If you are struggling with something/anything in life, I’d like to encourage you to jot a little diddy down and give it all to God.
Here are many entries regarding lessons I’ve learned through my mom-in-love: Click here. Enjoy and I hope you will find peace, strength, and comfort as well through whatever season you are going through.
Out of all the entries I’ve read today, this one, Sadness into Joy, was a true testament of peace, strength, and comfort. Amen.
Jany, you’d love and definitely approve of the home and land we live on now. Your memory is ever-present in our new surroundings. Through the Kentucky reclaimed wood adorning our outdoor area to the rocks that you transported back from many Kentucky trips which create our fire pit area, and from a greeting from a red bird each and every day, and so much more…your memory lives on. We love and miss you! And you’re right…It is well with my soul. Until we see you again….
Johnny and Jany when they were around 3 years old.
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