Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Remembering

Many of you didn't get to see this slideshow we made for Anna's memorial service. I share it with some hesitation, as it is very personal. I may not leave it here on the blog for long. 

The second song used is one God gave us through a friend. I recorded it in sickness and emotional strain just a few days before the service. Looking back, I don't know how I got any sound to come out at all. 

The photos... the feelings... the memories... my voice... it's all so raw. 

I just watched it. It's hard to believe it's really our story. 

But I share because I want to continue to celebrate Anna's life. The miracles, the joys, the ways God is carrying us and changing lives. Watch if you are willing, and praise God with us for His presence with us, for His promise of hope and joy - even amidst the pain of this world. 

Thank you for your continued love & support. 

I love you, Anna Joy Peppley!!!!!!!!!!!
Forever and always...


[Video removed for privacy.]


(PLEASE respect our privacy and honor Anna's life by not saving or sharing this video or any portions of it.)

Songs used:
"Audrey's Gift" written by Michael W. Smith, from It's a Wonderful Christmas
"Little One (For Anna Joy)" written by Kathy Kerber, also titled "Safe In His Hands"
"Cathedrals" written by Mark Schultz, from Renaissance

Some photos taken by volunteer photographers from the organization Soulumination.

16 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing Anna's beautiful slideshow. My mind and heart have been with you today (and always). Sending prayers for peace, my friend.

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  2. This video touches off a bunch of memories in me--they are of a brave family who went through this whole thing with amazing courage and faith, a worldwide prayer army holding them up, and a God who never stopped caring and never will. God be with you, today.

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  3. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us.

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  4. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Anna Joy. We will continue in prayer for your family.

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  5. I feel privileged to have shared in that precious time in your lives though this slideshow. I have not forgotten you or gorgeous Anna Joy. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. May you continue to know God's grace and peace.xxx

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  7. As I watched the video again, I couldn't help but think how meaningless my comment seemed. The video is so powerful of little Anna Joy's life. She was beautiful. My spirit cries out, "Oh God" but no other words come. My heart hurts for you from a place I have never known before. While I have never met you, I will continue to lift your family in prayer even when I don't have the words. Because I believe the loving Father knows exactly what my heart is trying to say. Thank you for sharing this difficult journey you are on. Sweet Anna is breathtaking.

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  8. no words right now.... but I just wanted you to know my heart is reaching out to your hearts, with a melody that can only be heard in Heaven, singing to the Father, singing to you..... one day you will be able to hear the sweet perfect harmony that Anna Joy is adding to your own melody to God.......

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  9. Thank you for sharing such a personal video. I will keep you in my prayers for peace and healing.

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  10. I can't imagine how hard it must be to share such precious memories of your sweet girl, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. What a beautiful tribute to Anna Joy... there is no doubt of the love so many have for Anna Joy. I think of your family often and send prayers for peace and healing.

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  11. Thank you so much for sharing something so intimate and personal Alissa. What precious, touching moments...their impact on me is profound. My heart aches for your deep loss. You and your family are so unbelievably strong, I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Please know that you are loved truly, madly and deeply.

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  12. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your precious baby girl with us all...even though you don't know many of us, like me. Your family and faith is unbelievable and I praise God for the work He's done in your all. I will continue to pray for your and your incredible family!

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  13. What a beautiful tribute for your beautiful daughter...she is indeed in God's arms and waiting to be reunited with her family someday. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.

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  14. Thank you for sharing such a personal glimpse into your lives. Anna Joy is beautiful.

    You don't know me. A friend posted your blog link on Facebook almost a year ago, and I check in from time to time. I can't imagine your grief, but with tears streaming down my face, I will pray for you, knowing God understands. For the peace that passes understanding.

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  15. I continue to pray for your hope and healing! We were recently at a retreat for families with special needs children. The speaker shared a verse that I want to share with you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Thank you for sharing your journey with us - your faith, your grief, your honesty, and your precious baby girl. In sharing, you have comforted me, and others, in our own afflictions. You are faithful without being fake. A shining light of the hope you have in Christ. Thank you.

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  16. Thank you for sharing the special memorial video. Prayers of God's peace and comfort for your hearts and lives continue.

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