tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post2346796149719349714..comments2023-08-12T07:52:48.909-07:00Comments on Joyful In Hope: This weekAlissa Peppleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14586168573468202444noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-87136607419898499772012-01-01T13:46:44.763-08:002012-01-01T13:46:44.763-08:00Still saying lots of prayers for your family~Still saying lots of prayers for your family~Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08670493406924757834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-51572490210843528612011-12-31T23:03:03.657-08:002011-12-31T23:03:03.657-08:00As I was laying awake at 1:30am night before last,...As I was laying awake at 1:30am night before last, the Lord brought you to mind as he has done several times. I just wanted you to know that He continues to touch the lives of complete strangers with your story and call on us to pray for you throughout the days and nights. We grieve with you over the tremendous loss of your precious, beautiful baby girl and pray that you will be able to find peace in the belief that Anna is in the arms of the very One by whom love is defined. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with you as you pass through this difficult time, second by second, moment by moment, and day by day.krigathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16461339019655135051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-20544367810402004612011-12-31T21:17:51.568-08:002011-12-31T21:17:51.568-08:00We are with you. We love you.We are with you. We love you.Reiter familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11450854785328651983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-25851456725223300422011-12-31T20:37:42.762-08:002011-12-31T20:37:42.762-08:00Thinking of you, and praying that Fathers comfort ...Thinking of you, and praying that Fathers comfort and love will surround you just now! No words to say, only crying with you,<br />MirjamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-86433098726016969692011-12-31T19:25:35.863-08:002011-12-31T19:25:35.863-08:00The following quote from Jerry Sittser's, &quo...The following quote from Jerry Sittser's, "A Grace Disguised" was super helpful to our family a little over a year ago when we lost someone...<br /><br />"Can anyone really expect to recover from [a great] tragedy? Recovery is a misleading and empty expectation... Catastrophic loss by definition precludes recovery. It will transform us or destroy us, but it will never leave us the same. There is no going back to the past, which is gone forever, only going ahead to the future, which has yet to be discovered. Whatever that future is, it will, and must, include the pain of the past with it. Sorrow never entirely leaves the soul of those who have suffered a severe loss...<br />But this depth of sorrow is the sign of a healthy soul, not a sick soul. It does not have to be morbid and fatalistic. It is not something to escape but something to embrace. Jesus said [in Matthew 5], 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.' Sorrow indicates that people who have suffered loss are living authentically in a world of misery... Sorrow is noble and gracious. It enlarges the soul until the soul is capable of mourning and rejoicing simultaneously, of feeling the world's pain and hoping for the world's healing at the same time."<br /><br />Love and Prayers!Rench Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11621411933960160038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-14111659636287408432011-12-31T19:21:34.040-08:002011-12-31T19:21:34.040-08:00Wow... a funeral for a baby is sooo not easy, but ...Wow... a funeral for a baby is sooo not easy, but I'm so glad we went to physically be part of a community gathering to honor your sweet baby girl. It's 7PM and my eyes still sting from the tears I shed today along with everyone else at that service today. You guys did a beautiful job in honoring Anna and God at the same time. I LOVED what both pastors had to offer us. If you are able to post the letter the Seattle Nazarene pastor read, I would love to study those thoughts again, and I'm sure it would bless others as well. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing your journey with Anna. Thank you for being open and real and showing us all what faith in action looks like in tough times. You didn't have to share any of that private stuff, but I'm sure God wanted it of you as part of His plan over all of this. Your obedience has and will continue to bless others. <br /><br />As one of the speakers said today, my prayers for Anna have shifted now to you guys (not that I wasn't praying for you all along, but you know what I mean!). Praying for healing, continued strength, for support and friendship to come along side you... you let us know what else we can do and pray for you. Love you guys!Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316460615855758210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-18699762673015659312011-12-31T15:42:36.074-08:002011-12-31T15:42:36.074-08:00Your family has been heavy on my heart and on my m...Your family has been heavy on my heart and on my mind all day knowing that you are having to say good-bye to your precious baby Anna today. I cannot begin to imagine the emotions that you are feeling today. I pray that you will find love, comfort, and peace today and in all of the days to come. May you feel the strength of the Lord as he holds you in his arms and carries you all down this path.<br />Alisa, your "ramblings" have touched me in my soul. I can feel your pain and sorrow. I am amazed by your faith and continued gratitude for the experiences that your family has endured.<br />May God continue to bless you all. As the year ends, and the new one begins, may you all start to heal.<br />Still praying for you and your family!Sherolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15761802812818100339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-5305770046829954072011-12-31T14:44:49.039-08:002011-12-31T14:44:49.039-08:00Just got home from the lovely service for Anna Joy...Just got home from the lovely service for Anna Joy. Thank you for making this so special and for inviting us all to come and hear the testimony of Anna's life so far. I am continuing to pray for you and to grieve with you. I trust God with your healing, and I thank you for receiving the gift I believe was given specifically for you. Thank you for sharing it with others today, and for showing us what courage looks like. <br /><br />PS: Matt, I still owe you a hug. I really wanted to stand up, but I felt like a cadillac in a phone booth. :-) Kathy KAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06791856310848472021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-11162497947800446922011-12-31T13:13:07.063-08:002011-12-31T13:13:07.063-08:00Thinking and praying for you. Your story has touch...Thinking and praying for you. Your story has touched me and still does. Your daughter is so beautiful and will never be forgotten. I will hug my little girl a little tighter today, for you, for sweet Anna and for all the Mamas who don't get to hug their babies today. Love and prayers to you and your family today.Courtneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02678702485735222449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-38179940142881814822011-12-31T11:38:52.513-08:002011-12-31T11:38:52.513-08:00I woke up praying for you today. I know God will c...I woke up praying for you today. I know God will cover you with His Peace and bring you blessings as you celebrate the special life of your daughter. Weeping with your family today from California.Broas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08836049057418092662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-24934512499572143082011-12-31T10:41:39.626-08:002011-12-31T10:41:39.626-08:00Love & prayers for you today! And always....
...Love & prayers for you today! And always....<br />God is with you & you are so very loved!Five Gshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02806560748340189884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-73512541427985883962011-12-31T09:06:17.411-08:002011-12-31T09:06:17.411-08:00Posting another comment today to let you know my f...Posting another comment today to let you know my family will be continuously praying for you as you celebrate, and at the same time grieve, Anna Joy.Christahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17900674431003918098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-31939342426683447202011-12-31T06:56:32.482-08:002011-12-31T06:56:32.482-08:00Even though I can not be there in person today, pl...Even though I can not be there in person today, please know that i am there in spirit and I continue to pray and ask God to give you comfort and strength to get through. Your story has touched my heart and soul, I am forever thankful for you sharing with all of us. Your story has touched so many people. Thank you and bless you all.Kathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12044008910008584000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-42819828728431940382011-12-31T02:15:41.558-08:002011-12-31T02:15:41.558-08:00You are in my thoughts and prayers continuously th...You are in my thoughts and prayers continuously throughout the day. We can only imagine the waves of emotions you are going through, but you are so strong and filled by faith. Your words about cherishing the small moment are not wasted on us. They have never seemed so important. May God continue to hold you and comfort you. Many prayers for you tomorrow as we celebrate Anna Joy's life.Katyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16234860398975717215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-81135609178037561672011-12-31T00:37:32.523-08:002011-12-31T00:37:32.523-08:00Continueing to pray for you all and especially tom...Continueing to pray for you all and especially tomorrow that in the midst of sadness, you will have the chance to celebrate Anna's life. I say that knowing full well that it is hard to even begin to imagine the emotions that you all will feel tomorrow but I pray that God will give you a spirit of joy and peace in the midst of it all. Love you guys.<br /><br />-Carrie HaysCarriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17618604278413592848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-90910573503118121362011-12-30T23:30:30.500-08:002011-12-30T23:30:30.500-08:00I am still praying. May this new year be a time wh...I am still praying. May this new year be a time where the Lord heals your heart(as much as it can be) and brings you closer to himself. You are not alone.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840028425409470506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-23426671614920094152011-12-30T23:17:11.950-08:002011-12-30T23:17:11.950-08:00I think of you often...I am pretty sure, no, I kno...I think of you often...I am pretty sure, no, I know God puts you on my heart and so every time He does...I pray for you. I will be praying for you extra tomorrow morning. John 16:33<br />Love in our Heavenly Father, Sarah Walker (Katie's friend)Sarah Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12002620876086262017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-38169072884479441292011-12-30T22:56:48.366-08:002011-12-30T22:56:48.366-08:00Alissa, I know that tomorrow will be difficult and...Alissa, I know that tomorrow will be difficult and surreal at times. Tomorrow's sorrow is going to turn to joy. You will be amazed at how many people, who have prayed for you and prayed with you ever since we knew Anna Joy was going to be a part of your life, will be celebrating Anna Joy's life and the message of God's love that she brought into our world.Debbie Gaetzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08068440308328171762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-36761072164486224992011-12-30T19:54:08.375-08:002011-12-30T19:54:08.375-08:00Our family will be at the church with you tomorrow...Our family will be at the church with you tomorrow Alissa. We have prayed continuously for you and Matt, knowing that these days would prove to be difficult. As the waves of sorrow wash over you, allow yourself the tears and know that you do not weep alone. I just picture Anna in Jesus' arms, patting his face, whole, healthy, content. May you find wholeness, health, and contentment in His love and that of so many around you. For you are dearly loved.Kathiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05289558730519360944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-83325031407080331092011-12-30T19:35:55.250-08:002011-12-30T19:35:55.250-08:00I will continue to pray for you, Matt, Isaac and y...I will continue to pray for you, Matt, Isaac and your family. Your steadfast and firm commitment in trusting God is such an encouragement and a blessing. Thank you for sharing your story, your life, your family and your journey.Jackie Ferradohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16107102146083731942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-66534286101108118082011-12-30T19:04:52.387-08:002011-12-30T19:04:52.387-08:00Praying for you today as you try to sleep through ...Praying for you today as you try to sleep through the night. You are constantly on our hearts and in our prayers. Thank you for letting us share in this journey with you.Family Ketchumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11118573735659551047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-21703509906171753382011-12-30T16:41:49.647-08:002011-12-30T16:41:49.647-08:00Matt and Alissa: You are in my prayers and on my m...Matt and Alissa: You are in my prayers and on my mind constantly. I am so sorry for your loss of Anna Joy. I pray that your hearts will heal as much as they possibly can, as quickly as possible. I know you are in pain and I wish I could take that away for you. I know that Jesus is holding you, rocking you, and trying to comfort you, I can see that. Anna is pain free now and able to be a child in God's kingdom. I can see her playing and smiling and this makes me smile.Take care.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14418819221406518284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-39082495710044295572011-12-30T14:30:14.573-08:002011-12-30T14:30:14.573-08:00Hi guys ,
I will be continuing to pray for you I w...Hi guys ,<br />I will be continuing to pray for you I will not be able to make the service. God is amazing you will have incredible loving support. Until we meet again my prayers with you always.Margo Serrano NSCNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07517504476868471879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-52533852877868728972011-12-30T13:54:20.414-08:002011-12-30T13:54:20.414-08:00Wanted to share a couple links with you guys that ...Wanted to share a couple links with you guys that have helped some people that I know-they are for later, when you can take time out to read....the first is the singer from the Christian music group "Selah"-his wife wrote a blog telling the story of finding out that their baby had a fatal kidney condition and passed away shortly after birth-it just reminded me of your story....her insight and honesty on her blog is awesome and so I thought I would pass it on:<br />http://angiesmithonline.com/2008/01/the-beginning-of-the-story/<br /><br />The second is a video I recently saw-it is about 40 min. and was made by a husband/wife who lost their son and deals with grieving-it was so heartbreaking, but also takes an honest look at grief, etc....here is the link. Continuing to pray for your family!<br /><br />http://www.flameon.net/full-movie.aspx?tc=EMW15YSWStutzman's Eight By Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11044626431814119306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255904066855682022.post-42764354001270573482011-12-30T13:10:36.277-08:002011-12-30T13:10:36.277-08:00Continuing to pray. Thank you for the reminder to...Continuing to pray. Thank you for the reminder to hold our babies close. My baby is nearly 17 he has commented on how he thinks i'm hugging and loving on him too much. I still keep doing it anyway. Your Anna is in heaven playing with my little one.<br />Blessings<br />Darlene Warddarlene whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05557082760745333313noreply@blogger.com