In February, when I was beginning to recover from my hepatitis, my aunt Chris was struggling with jaundice. I recovered. My Aunt Chris recovered too. On August 5 she entered into the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior. She has been made whole. How beautiful!
I have thought a lot about her during these last few months and the memories she gave me. My first memory is when I was probably 6 years old on Christmas Day. My family went to grandma’s house. They all went inside. I stayed in the car with dad as he was taking me to the doctor’s. I was sick. But Aunt Chris came out to the car to say hello and wish me a Merry Christmas. I was touched by her kindness to come out to see me. I even had tears in my eyes. One never knows the impact they have on another person, especially a child, by the simple things that can be done.
Five years later she got married to Uncle Jeff. At their reception I got to recite a little poem. I have no idea what it was. I felt very special to be given that honor.
Sometime in high school she gave me a gift, maybe it was for my birthday. It was a New Topical Memory kit. Sixty key verses to be memorized. I did it. And I kept memorizing other verses, even chapters and reviewing them. Having those verses hidden in my heart has built an incredible foundation to my faith. I continue to review the verses (don’t ask me to quote any though). I have slowed way down on memorizing . . . But the verses remain a great source of encouragement in the journey of life.
In my last year of high school, she discipled me, doing a weekly Bible study together. When I graduated from BIOLA, Jeff & Chris gave me the devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This too has been an invaluable tool in my journey of life. I have been reading it every since.
After nursing school, I moved up to Oregon and lived with them for six months. Once I got myself settled with a job and found a roommate I moved out. It was a hi-light of my life to live nearby, to be involved in each other’s lives. My uncle Jeff is really the one who pushed me into missions as he knew my keen interest. One day he asked me, “So what are you doing about this?” And I started to pursue missions.
One last story. Chris is my mom’s sister. Every year since who knows when, mom’s family has gone camping together in the summer. One year Chris joined us when she was on staff with the Navigators (a Christian Organization. And I thought she sat behind the pilots on airplanes directing them. I really truly did!). So in the evening we had gone out somewhere in an uncle’s pick-up, all piled in the bed of the truck. We passed the ranger at the entrance to the camp ground. He made some sort of comment to us. Aunt Chris’ response was, that’s okay, cause . . .then began singing:
I have thought a lot about her during these last few months and the memories she gave me. My first memory is when I was probably 6 years old on Christmas Day. My family went to grandma’s house. They all went inside. I stayed in the car with dad as he was taking me to the doctor’s. I was sick. But Aunt Chris came out to the car to say hello and wish me a Merry Christmas. I was touched by her kindness to come out to see me. I even had tears in my eyes. One never knows the impact they have on another person, especially a child, by the simple things that can be done.
Five years later she got married to Uncle Jeff. At their reception I got to recite a little poem. I have no idea what it was. I felt very special to be given that honor.
Sometime in high school she gave me a gift, maybe it was for my birthday. It was a New Topical Memory kit. Sixty key verses to be memorized. I did it. And I kept memorizing other verses, even chapters and reviewing them. Having those verses hidden in my heart has built an incredible foundation to my faith. I continue to review the verses (don’t ask me to quote any though). I have slowed way down on memorizing . . . But the verses remain a great source of encouragement in the journey of life.
In my last year of high school, she discipled me, doing a weekly Bible study together. When I graduated from BIOLA, Jeff & Chris gave me the devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This too has been an invaluable tool in my journey of life. I have been reading it every since.
After nursing school, I moved up to Oregon and lived with them for six months. Once I got myself settled with a job and found a roommate I moved out. It was a hi-light of my life to live nearby, to be involved in each other’s lives. My uncle Jeff is really the one who pushed me into missions as he knew my keen interest. One day he asked me, “So what are you doing about this?” And I started to pursue missions.
One last story. Chris is my mom’s sister. Every year since who knows when, mom’s family has gone camping together in the summer. One year Chris joined us when she was on staff with the Navigators (a Christian Organization. And I thought she sat behind the pilots on airplanes directing them. I really truly did!). So in the evening we had gone out somewhere in an uncle’s pick-up, all piled in the bed of the truck. We passed the ranger at the entrance to the camp ground. He made some sort of comment to us. Aunt Chris’ response was, that’s okay, cause . . .then began singing:
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before;
Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more;
Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the One I'm waiting for.
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
There’s no more waiting for Aunt Chris.
2 comments:
I'm sorry to hear Aunt Chris has passed away. I wish I had known her better! It sounds like you have many wonderful memories of her.
Colette and I just read your blog about Mom. Thank you so much for such sweet memories about a Mom that was so devoted to Jesus. That was very special. We love you, Kristol
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