Thursday, July 18, 2013

Memories

Check out this video I made to commemorate the life of Julia Fitzgerald for her Memorial - July 17, 2013

Pictures play such an important role in putting memories together.

Don't wait for death. Celebrate life.

http://animoto.com/play/XAS03LeaZGHwIX0w4z1xvg

Monday, July 08, 2013

Rest in Peace Julia

Julia Fitzgerald - April 4, 1921 - June 28, 2013

The grand lady is in heaven with Jesus.

She passed from death into life at 1010am Friday, June 28, 2013.

She is enjoying all the comforts of home. She has run and finished the race. Well done Mom. We will miss you but look forward to a great reunion.



Friday, June 28, 2013

Every breath counts

Although death is an everyday part of life, unless you work in hospice care, most of us do not get to see what is called "active death".

The past few weeks we have been watching the rapid decline of my mother-in-law, Julia, who was diagnosed just three short weeks ago with pancreatic cancer.

Today, the hospice nurse told us that she is now actively dying. So we continue to sit and wait. Her breath is very erratic, even as I write.

Breath of life now has new meaning.

As the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, I grew up with traditional hymns. Although I now attend a non-denominational church and prefer contemporary worship, I remember the old Hymn Breathe on me Breath of God, Fill me with life anew.

I pray for her tonight that she would be filled with new life.

Now, one of my favorites is John Waller's Breathe on Me. Listen and be renewed and refreshed.

http://youtu.be/HVgaWJtg7w4

Hover over me
fill me spirit, breathe on me

I want to walk in signs and wonders
I want to speak with tongues of angels

Breathe on me
sprit I receive
empower me to be your witness
rest on me and Jesus let me see
even greater things than these
when you breathe

Let me bind up the broken hearted
I want the world to see your power

I believe, I receive everything you have for me

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Ultimate Journey

Psalm 139 says that every day of our lives has been ordered from the foundation of the earth.

On Saturday the 8th of June, we learned that my mother-in-law was nearing the end of her life's journey, having been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Now, as I sit by her bedside I'm left wondering what I should say, what I should ask or whether I should just be quiet.

God's Word wisely tells us to be still and know that He is God.

That works for me.





Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Engagement Ladder for the Polish Church

The church is changing. No longer is it enough to just ask friends to come to church with you in order for the church to grow.

To reach the world, we must expand how we communicate.

The Engagement Ladder helps us visualize the various levels of communication and the result on relationships and engagement.