---CELEBRATE~~ HOME!!

-Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again Rejoice!"
--(Philippians 4:4/ NIV)

--Recently, my mother went home to be with the Lord. Even though she lived her 83 years to the fullest, my heart was still broken. I wanted her memorial to emulate the bright and courageous way she enjoyed life--so we followed her three simple instructions: no black clothes, only upbeat stories, and, if possible, only tears of joy.

I searched for a way to pay homage to Mom that would honor her wishes but also be a unique example of my love for her. Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to God.

The answer to my prayers came in the form of a small stone. I discovered that I could order decorative river rocks with different inscriptions: Love; Hope, Faith, Peace, Kindness, Home, etc. The word I decided on was Celebrate/ Home! (I simply added the word Home - :), because it seemed the perfect embodiment of a life well lived.

The day of the Memorial, I placed the several stones next to the guest book. At the luncheon afterward, the inscribed stones were all anyone talked about. Family and friends loved having a tangible reminder of Mom to celebrate her forever. I still miss Mom every day. But I faithfully carry my stone and draw additional strength from Hebrews 13 verse 5." ['[G-D - will never leave you nor forsake you. (NRSV)."

--"Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us today, tomorrow and always. Soon we will be with You in our New Heavenly Home. 'Even so, Come Lord Jesus. amen"
--UPPER ROOM/KE--"HOME"/ Chris Tomlin /<https://youtu.be/5lSr7OaEEuc>
~~~~~~~~~~~~