A sad loss today

So I am going to write today because all I want to do is cry, and I hate crying, just makes me tired!

Today a dear old friend went to be with the Lord today after fighting cancer, and my heart is just sad.  I haven't been close with Jesse in over 5 yrs as we went different ways in life, but Jesse is one of those guys/friends that he was just as warm and funny like you had just seen him yesterday!  Jesse and I went to elementary school together, church functions, camps, etc...him and his best friend Jeremy are the two people I have the most memories of from my elementary school days, and today I just keep thinking of them and all I can do is laugh! 

Jesse even back then was a strong guy, he knew what he knew, what he wanted and didnt mess around, and the most important thing in his life was His faith!! Even in his last days, in my last conversation with him about 2 weeks ago He knew God was taking care of him and that things would be ok no matter what!!  Wow, even while he was in a hospital going through his last chemo treatment in a hospital in Indy while his wife was in Colorado he was optimistic and knew that even through this God would get the glory!  And God does get the Glory because Jesse was a warrior for Him and I have a feeling that the people at the hospital know God in a new way because of him!

It is sad as this is the first friend that I have known that has died, I did have a classmate die a few years ago but I did not know her well or have a friendship like I did with Jesse, so it's weird to think I know now someone close to me that is my age, that has passed away.  Jesse wasn't even 30 yet and he had just celebrated his first anniversary with his wife, I don't know her but my heart aches for her and her family and Jesse's family and what they will experience in the next few months and what Rochelle will feel for the rest of her life.  I don't deal with death well even for people I don't know, I can't imagine what it is to live with it everyday.  Have a friend who recently lost his brother and I can't even begin to know what to say or express to him, sometimes I feel so stupid even trying, and as I sent an email just sending my sympathy to Rochelle tonight I felt like nothing was right but still felt like I should send it...at least she knows she's covered in prayer!

Jesus has him in his hands and I know he is safe from all pain and he has been fully restored and he is worshipping the King right now which is amazing and he has gained ALL today, and even though the world has lost a friend and light for the kingdom, Jesus has him and there's no better thing!!

I miss my friend Jesse but so excited to see him again when I get to heaven!!

Also this past week a Hero in the Faith Mrs. Freda (Mom) Lindsay passed away, she was the Co-founder of Christ for the Nations.  What a woman she was, yes I have lots of memories of her asking us to support the school for a new building, a new school overseas, etc...but her faith in what she did never caved, she knew what God called and asked of her, her worship was so...cute...I loved watching this little (short) woman stand on the platform and clap or dance and knew her heart was tuned and only set on God!! CFNI has a great legacy, it started with Gordon's dream and she supported, sweated, walked it out and thousands of lives are forever changed by this woman, mine included!!!  My life (even in a bad season) at CFNI really was the best time for me, and I'll never forget how my life was impacted by my time there!!  Mrs. Lindsay, we who were touched by you carry on the legacy and we will bring Christ to the Nations :)

Ok that is all for today!  Goodnight!

Rejoice!