tears and rejoicing

This past weekend several college friends flew in from around the country to support and love our dear and precious friend, Allison.  Allison's Mama, Debbie, passed away last week after a 21 year battle with cancer.  It was a very blessed time to celebrate Debbie's life, to weep for our friend, to laugh over memories, and to praise GOD that Debbie is now rejoicing in heaven with her savior, Jesus Christ.  

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved -- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 4: 2-9

Debbie was also our Realtor for the 3 home sales/purchases we've made over the past 7 years.  This is a photo of us on our closing day in the fall of '09.  We have such fond memories of her.  She was part of our lives during these very special, and sometimes stressful, times in our lives.  I look forward to seeing her again : )