Many of you were unaware or unable to attend Wayne Shuff’s Celebration of Life service. Below is the link to the video, along with the password to enter.
When my father-in-love went to be with Jesus, the events to follow happened so fast. The way he passed had brought back so many memories of my mother-in-love’s, Jany, passing, that Tim was ready to expedite the whole process. Hopewell Funeral Home was so gracious and loving to have met with us that same day and agree to coordinate the ceremony on Monday evening. Not only were they helpful in accelerating the ceremony yet the cremation procedure as well. The officiating pastors, Tommy Warnock and Claude Walker, were accommodating in having it on Monday evening, and presented such beautiful and uplifting words throughout those days. Non-Christian songs were approved. Songs which Tim had desired for years to have played at his dad’s “one-day” passing. David Morris (the director of media and technology at our church) and Austin Buchanan allowed a plethora of photos to be submitted for three stunning videos in memory of Wayne’s life.
In the wee hours of the morning of us discovering that Wayne had gone on to be with Jesus, our eldest son (Hunter) has just landed in Denver to enjoy a weekend with friends and attend a concert at the Red Rocks. Tim quickly found a return flight home, so that we were able to retrieve Hunter from the airport before noon the same day. One of our very first thoughts were how to inform all kids, how to collect them from three different places, and to keep the “how to” of Wayne’s passing private until we were able to gather all three together by noon. Holly was at her apartment in St. Pete. One of her best/lifelong friends was with her. Cole was at home sleeping, as we knew he would be okay sleeping since it was a Saturday, but we were so ready to go grab, gather, and hold our babies tight. I believe God had Hunter and Holly’s friends with them at the right time, as they belonged to two of the three parents I’m about to mention. Kerri, Kim, and Kyle (three lifelong family friends who were like Wayne and Jany’s other children) all played a paramount role in taking care of many needs that needed attention with grace and love, before the sun even shone on the new day. God knew the integral role they were going to play, how much they cherished and loved Wayne, and that because their children were with ours, a phone call to them was at the top of the list. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU to all of them and their parents.
This list of expediency continues with more examples of how events assimilated in those days.
Life and death come at you fast. Life goes by so fast. Our dash between our birth and death dates is yet a diminutive fraction of what our lives will be.
I’m sharing Wayne’s service, with permission by Tim, for a couple of reasons:
- Although hundreds of sweet folks attended the service of this well loved man and family, there were many more who have reached out to us and had no clue of his passing or wasn’t able to attend.
- My man, Tim, was so transparent, real, and godly in his words shared at the service. Countless people have texted, called, written cards and heartfelt letters in regards to Tim’s boldness and rawness through the eulogy to his dad that needs to be shared. For a man who thought he spoke for only about 15-20 minutes…get ready…he testified for 42 minutes!
- Rev. Tommy Warnock. I’ve told Tommy several times that unless Jesus comes, he is not allowed to die before me because he has to speak at my celebration of life service.
- Claude presents the gospel in various ways that is vividly simple to understand.
- Wayne was a real (not perfect) man of God. He would want YOU to hear these words.
I listened to the service again this morning. It’s not my first or second time rewatching it. Each time I gain new insight and comfort. I took key talking points from Tim’s eulogy and have incorporated a few bible verses to go with them. It is my prayer that you will be able to find comfort and peace through the scripture for when you go through difficult times.
Just an FYI…The song and photo video for “Say What You Need to Say” begins at 26:53. Tim’s eulogy begins at 30:50 and ends at 1:11:40. The “Captain and The Kid” song and photo video begins at 1:11:44 (The password for watching is shuff)
Peace:
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:8
Gratitude:
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16
Prayers for others:
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, Colossians 1:9
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 1 Timothy 2:1
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Perspective:
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Pain/Illness:
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Asking “Why?”:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Sharing your testimony:
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
Narrow/Wide Road:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:23-24
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. Isaiah 35:8
Faith (not perfection):
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; Romans 3:10
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10
Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20
Man of God:
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
Thank you for growing in Christ and loving Him with your whole heart.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie