So I haven't blogged since Tuesday morning. Life has been a bit busy. Tuesday we didn't do too much, Wednesday, same thing, and then Thursday was Thanksgiving, so we went and saw a bunch of our family. Friday, yesterday, we had the viewing. There were so many people!! Thank you to all of you who came out. My dad was so well loved. So I hugged so many people, met so many people, shook so many hands....and so on! My mom was a real trooper! She was so good! Her feet hurt, though when she got home last night.
Today was the funeral, and it was so nice. Maybe my dad was looking down from heaven smiling! My high school choir sang. We sang "In Christ Alone"
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,W
hen fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,L
ight of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
It was a really nice funeral. I have never been to a funeral/ viewing before. So I was a bit nervous, but it was really nice! And I got to visit with my friends from Michigan, who he spoke at the service. He is an awesome guy! His family was part of a church plant we started. They are awesome. He was one of my dad's best friends.
So, now I am sitting here, relaxing.
Thanks for all of your prayers...
Just thinking of your family and glad to see that things went well today. I am sure it has been quite a week and words cannot really express all that you've experienced and felt. Isn't it awesome that God's word, however, is never lacking? Surely, as the song says, He is our light, our strength, our song - firm through even the fiercest droughts and storms of life. Praise God for his faithfulness. I love that song - "In Christ Alone" - and I can see that being wonderfully appropriate for such a bittersweet occasion.
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged by the fact that your family is CHOOSING to worship even through the pain. That is not always easy, but what a blessing, and what a great way to maintain a heavenly, eternal perspective. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers. With Christ's love from Texas,
Sharon
hey lovely...
ReplyDeletei love you!
and i miss you already!!
keep your head up, and that smile on your face (well, just don't let it turn to a frown)!
Hey there! I am a future Pastor who was going to write something encouraging to you, but instead, I just want to say through your blog that I have read, I am encouraged! Your right trials do make us grow stronger. It is something that I need to dwell on more often. Thank you. I will pray for you.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello Allison,
ReplyDeleteYour Dad's funeral today was an incredible testimony of God's grace & love in people's lives. I noticed when you were singing "In Christ Alone" (this song became very important to me when my Dad died as well) that your face shone amid the sadness of the other students. It really stood out to me. I will look forward to seeing how God will use you in the future. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand!
Lots of hugs to you and your Mom & brothers, Mrs. O'Brien & family
Allie, your father was amazing man and he has left a great legacy behind for your family. You all were wonderful today. You are such great role models for us to follow, how you stood up there with your choir and sang for your father with that beautiful smile on your face the whole time, I was amazed. Your father has taught you many things and how to be strong was one of them. In the days to come your mom will need you to be strong and I know all of you will be. Just remember your dad was rejoicing with the Lord today watching you. Give your mom a hug for me and if you need anything give us a call. We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteLove, the Lowes