My mother died this morning.
Sitting quietly at her breakfast table, she just laid her head down and went Home. I know for the first time in more than a dozen years she is without confusion and filled with the joy of a life well-lived. She always chose to walk The Jesus Way ... and she still is.
Don't call.
I am weary of these days.
I think I'm going to go outside. I know my GUIDE is always ready to lead me on the journey ahead, so I'm following HIM.
Psalm 35:14b - I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.
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So sorry for your loss Mark.
Posted by: Becky Callender | December 12, 2011 at 02:37 PM
God bless you, Mark. You give so much to so many. May God fill you with His comfort right now!
Posted by: Corbett | December 12, 2011 at 02:44 PM
Mark, I know the pain and joy that you are experiencing - my mom went to be with the Lord November 2010. My sadness lasted about 30 seconds and then knowing she was no longer a slave of "lost memories" the sadness turned to pure joy. Yes, I miss the ol gal but that's ok -
You are in our prayers
George & Lorrie Tancos
Posted by: George Tancos | December 12, 2011 at 03:10 PM
My heart is filled with sadness and joy for you. I know you were very close to your Mom and the loss is sad, but I do feel your joy in that your Mom is done suffering and is with Jesus face to face. I hated the pain my Dad went through until he went to be with Jesus in 2007 and was released. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: James | December 12, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Mark, we'll be praying for you, Sheila and your entire family. We understand the feeling of pain, joy, and relief, all at the same time...we went thru it with my mother-in-law...knowing she no longer had pain, but still knowing the hurt of losing one you love. May it bring you comfort in knowing she had Christ in her life, and is with Him now. You'll be in our prayers these coming days....may God give you peace that passes understanding in your time of loss.......
Posted by: Penny & Frank Zelasko | December 12, 2011 at 03:48 PM
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although you know she is with Jesus in heaven it doesn't reconcile with your heart the loss you feel. Remember to take care of yourself and I hope that your memories will heal your heart over time. Keeping you in my heart.......
Posted by: Leanne Jensen | December 12, 2011 at 03:58 PM
mark you will be in my prayers your mom is in good hands God will always be with her. Praying for you and your wifes loss
Posted by: chris | December 12, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Father, help my buddy Mark as he walks through this difficult, yet joyous time. Let him know how much he is loved! In Jesus name. Amen!
Posted by: Marty Friend | December 12, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Pastor Beeson, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the difficult days ahead for you but I am thankful to know that you are surrounded by family, friends, and a congregation that loves and cares about you. I hope that you are able to find peace outside; that God will be there to whisper to your heart. I pray for strength in the days ahead because I know that there will be planning to do and ends to tie up. Please know that you and your family will be in my heart, along with your mother, although I will be celebrating the eternal life she is now able to begin.
Posted by: Tina | December 12, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Pastor Mark, My heart reaches out for you as I pray for you and your family. My Father has Alzheimers too. Nothing can prepare you for this disease. Rest in HIS arms!
Posted by: Vicki | December 12, 2011 at 05:07 PM
Dear Mark and Shela, We count it a privalidge to have you call us your friends. As your big "brother and sister" in the Lord, know that you are always free to walk the trails and clear your head, even if we are not here. It's a "good thing" that we know about the story of Job.....He did OK in the end and his Joy returned to him. Don't forget to breathe.
Posted by: Ron and Kay | December 12, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Mark, so many have made statements I agree with, and which I echo. Please know that we are praying for you--for comfort, for strength, for encouragement from your Heavenly Father, guide, friend... Even in the darkest of days, God IS there. You know that. I pray you will feel God's presence as you go forward.
Posted by: Glenda Alley | December 12, 2011 at 05:24 PM
We are praying for you my brother. Good Seed has posted you in our prayers. May God bless you and the family.
Pastor Glenn Bone
Posted by: Glenn Bone | December 12, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Papa B, I'm so sorry for this. :( praying for you.
Posted by: Paige Johnson | December 12, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Pastor Beeson we are sorry for your loss. Praying that God gives you comfort in this time.
Posted by: Ryan and April | December 12, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Mark - Know that Laura and I are praying with you. Hate this grief you must experience. Hanging on to our shared hope during this time of Advent. Our someday is your mom's today.
Posted by: Mark Waltz | December 12, 2011 at 07:55 PM
It is a blessing to have parents who love Jesus and long to be with him. We miss them when they have gone home, but we will be there with them soon enough. You are loved!
Posted by: Joe Wisler | December 12, 2011 at 08:16 PM
We are so sorry to hear about your mother Mark. We all are praying for you and your family. She is at Peace and resting in God's loving arms.
Posted by: Rich and Susan Lusk | December 12, 2011 at 08:43 PM
So sorry for your loss...so thankful for the influence and legacy of your mom! Have always appreciated all the real-life stories of your family that you've shared over all these years. Always praying for you guys...these have been some tough days. Thank You Jesus for eternal life, for our Pastor and his family and be with them as they walk this road of grief & joy...You are good to us.
Posted by: Wilma ( & Rex) Ellsworth | December 12, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Beautifully put. Praying for you and your family - for peace and comfort. Rejoicing in your mom's homecoming. May God bless you - especially these days.
Posted by: Jonstolpe.wordpress.com | December 12, 2011 at 09:05 PM
My heart aches for you and your family. I hope you find peace in knowing there is a mountain top beyond the valley and far above the mountain top is an angel you call mother.
Posted by: bekki | December 12, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Praying for you and your family Pastor! I was comforted by a "First Christmas in Heaven" poem that was read at my Dad's funeral on 12/11/1999. I just wrote a blog on the Anniversary of his passing. The poem is listed there at Jennifruit.blogspot.com. The post is entitled "Home For Christmas" and was written on 12/8/11. I hope it brings comfort to you and your family.
Posted by: J-La-Sta | December 12, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Mark, Tim & I love you and Sheila so much and our hearts grieve with you, and feel the ache of too much sorrow at one time. We are continuing to pray for you and stand with you. You are an amazing leader and much of that credit is due to your mom. I know she is safe in the embrace of her Saviour, but she will be missed.
Posted by: faith stevens | December 12, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Praying for you and your family Papa B.
Posted by: skoutz | December 12, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Our family just prayed for you and Sheila like we do every night...tonight we prayed with heavy hearts. We love you.
Posted by: Brad Miller | December 12, 2011 at 10:35 PM