September 30, 2006

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Jeff found out that he had a brain tumor on July 12, 2004. He persevered under trial for 2 years, 2 months, and 18 days. And tonight, September 30, at 9:45, we witnessed a miracle. We saw a man take his last breath on earth, and have the assurance that he took his next breath in Heaven. My brother, Jeff, won his battle over Satan's attack on him tonight. Jeff received his long awaited crown. God blessed our family by letting us all be together tonight recalling stories, sharing memories, reading scripture, and talking to Jeff. I know he heard us. We held his hand as he passed from this earth and I know Jesus took his hand and led him into Heaven.

I really truly believed that God would heal Jeff. I realized tonight that he did just that. Jeff received a perfect healing that could only come from Him. What we do here on earth determines how we spend eternity. That is the purpose of life. And Jeff succeeded. In one of my past entries, I recalled how much Jeff just loved to run. Well, this wasn't an exception. Gwen prayed Isaiah 40:31 over Jeff just before he took his last breath. "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Jeff ran this race and we cheered him on.. He never gave up, never complained, never lost his joy or his faith in his Savior. And he finished his race. He heard the words I long to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

2 Timothy 4:6 says "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also for those who have longed for his appearing." Jeff left such an impact on countless people. The love he had for Jesus and the faith that he had has spilled from him. God rewarded him for persevering. This sickness truly was not unto death, but was for the glory of God. The Son of God will be glorified through this, and Jeff would want it no other way.

I do not believe in any way that my prayers went unanswered. God has taught me so much about faith and how to lean on Him. We will never know the strength of our faith until it is tested. Jeff was right in the center of God's hand all along. I thanked Jeff tonight for teaching me about true faith and peace. If even one person's relationship with Jesus was strengthened because of Jeff, I know it would all be worth it to him. I am proud to be able to call Jeff "brother". He was a truly great example.

I can never thank everyone enough for praying with me, even when most did not even know me. I encourage you to keep praying with me, the battles we face everyday are ongoing.

Psalm 104:33 " I will sing praise to the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Jeff lived this verse out. I will do everything I can to do the same!

We are asking that all cards be sent to my parents house at this time. Jeff and Gwen's mail was being forwarded to the Hospice House, and until this is changed, it could take a while for her to receive anything. My parents can assure that she gets any cards. (Click here for the address)

Use the control to listen to the music to this page. Calling Out Your Name by Rich Mullins was playing when Jeff passed from this earth to Heaven.

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