This sweet little girl was sound asleep when we arrived home this afternoon, and I just couldn't bear to wake her up after knowing how tired she was earlier, so I let her sleep in her carseat while I cleaned out the car....
Just a small housekeeping item for ya...
either noone reads this blog or you were all too kind to tell me....
The previous post... It's actually II Chronicles NOT Hezekiah :) There is no book of Hezekiah in the Bible.
and because I just need to document for my own self's sake. Three weeks ago today, My Grampa Whitney was ushered into heaven. I cannot even begin to express my joy for him, knowing he finished his earthly race with flying colors! But, I still find it unreal to think he is gone. I know Grampa prayed for me every day while he lived and it feels wierd that he isn't now. I have so many fond memories of him, to be cherished even more in his passing. He was the officiating minister at our wedding, he dedicated both Katrina and Katie and said a prayer over Courtney, since he was too feeble to make the trip. I loved seeing his eyes twinkle in mischief! When he visited our family during my younger years, there was the annual picture of my sisters and I with Grampa and invariably, one of us was always on our tippy toes trying to be taller then Grampa and then he would stand on his tippy toes :) Because of Grampa, Slim Jims are a favorite snack and Life cereal is a staple at our house. His deer jerky was highly fought over, too! I loved the smell of Grampa's suit hanging in the closet, but did NOT love the smell of his beloved Limburger cheese!!!
Grampa was truly a man of prayer. I think perhaps that is my most favorite memory of him; hearing his muffled prayers coming through the bedroom door.
My parents, Angela and I travelled to NY for his funeral. I already knew Grampa was amazing, but heard more of how amazing he really was! The weather was cold and snowy, bright and beautiful ...in fact it was a perfect winter day, much like I think he would have enjoyed. It was a priviledge to meet more of his family. Mandy wrote and read a beautiful poem about Grampa, she graciously gave me permission to share it here.
Reverend Andrew Jackson Whitney.
Grampa. A great man indeed.
Great only because he knew his greatest need
Was to bow the knee, make the LORD King
Not just in some areas—but over everything.
So how do you sum up the qualities of a man
Who lived a full and blessed life through following His Plan?
The blessing is that there’s no secret side to reveal
No matter how you knew him, Grampa was always real.
The Fruits of the Spirit were ever apparent
Grampa died to self and became transparent
So that the love of Jesus could shine and work through
His earthly body for there was God’s work to do!
A servant’s heart; a man of strong conviction,
He was a breath of fresh air
In a world of contradiction.
His undying love for Gramma was so beautiful to behold
At times he would say that he didn’t feel whole
But Grampa kept his eyes looking to Heaven above
Drawing strength from Jesus and His perfect Love.
Grampa loved to play jokes; was quite the funny guy
There was often a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Retelling stories, often in jest
Poking fun and making sure the point wouldn’t rest.
Grampa’s large, powerful hands would greet you with a squeeze
And happily cradle a child on his knees.
With those hands he would lovingly build a fire
Keeping his granddaughter warm when she tired.
Writing letters, emails, and birthday cards
With reminders of keeping our lamps trimmed and hearts on guard.
Grampa established a family altar of prayer
6:30 Wednesday mornings we all would meet there.
He was so often our steady when life felt unstable
A stalwart reminder that God is always able.
So though we sit and shed tears in this earthly place
In our sorrow there’s a greater joy
For Grampa left us with a great heritage of faith.
So, Grampa, we follow your lead--We know the LORD is soon returning
And, praise Jesus, we’ll keep our lamps burning!
~Mandy Yount
January 22, 2011
Grampa. A great man indeed.
Great only because he knew his greatest need
Was to bow the knee, make the LORD King
Not just in some areas—but over everything.
So how do you sum up the qualities of a man
Who lived a full and blessed life through following His Plan?
The blessing is that there’s no secret side to reveal
No matter how you knew him, Grampa was always real.
The Fruits of the Spirit were ever apparent
Grampa died to self and became transparent
So that the love of Jesus could shine and work through
His earthly body for there was God’s work to do!
A servant’s heart; a man of strong conviction,
He was a breath of fresh air
In a world of contradiction.
His undying love for Gramma was so beautiful to behold
At times he would say that he didn’t feel whole
But Grampa kept his eyes looking to Heaven above
Drawing strength from Jesus and His perfect Love.
Grampa loved to play jokes; was quite the funny guy
There was often a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Retelling stories, often in jest
Poking fun and making sure the point wouldn’t rest.
Grampa’s large, powerful hands would greet you with a squeeze
And happily cradle a child on his knees.
With those hands he would lovingly build a fire
Keeping his granddaughter warm when she tired.
Writing letters, emails, and birthday cards
With reminders of keeping our lamps trimmed and hearts on guard.
Grampa established a family altar of prayer
6:30 Wednesday mornings we all would meet there.
He was so often our steady when life felt unstable
A stalwart reminder that God is always able.
So though we sit and shed tears in this earthly place
In our sorrow there’s a greater joy
For Grampa left us with a great heritage of faith.
So, Grampa, we follow your lead--We know the LORD is soon returning
And, praise Jesus, we’ll keep our lamps burning!
~Mandy Yount
January 22, 2011
Maybe someday I'll be able to post some pictures of Grampa, right now the bed is calling me and the pictures would need to be "rounded up" from their different albums and computer files....and if you've read through this post...bless you.
