The REAL Easter message: A Glorious Hope!

This Easter I’m making lots of cute bunny photos, and here is a sneak peek.  But this Easter also has me thinking about TWO very special people that I miss lots....

(ONE)  Jan R

AJF - Spring Portrait Session

I’m so glad that I had the honor of knowing and working briefly with Jan R, organist at a Methodist Church in Alabama.  Wow....  she was a terrific lady!  Good attitude.  Great sense of humor (yes, she had to have this to put up with Dr. R….haaaaa!!!)  Full of joy.  Full of spirit.  Full of fun.  Full of life.  And full of faith. 

She was also full of talent, which she shared frequently with her church and community.  She was a giver, and so many were blessed by her piano and organ skills.  She invested in others and made the lives of so many people soooo much better!

Mrs. Jan R passed away in June 2011 after a brave fight with cancer.  She is with the Lord because she found truth in “a glorious hope.”

PS – Jan, you have two of the sweetest great-nieces ever.  LK and AK are beautiful and are extra special.  May they love Jesus with committed hearts and follow Him closely.

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last.  And I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God!  Then he will be on my side!  Yes, I shall see him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! 

What a glorious hope!

Job 19: 25 – 27 (TLB)

AJF - Spring Portrait Session

AJF - Spring Portrait Session


(TWO)  2^nd Lt. Matthew A. Blount
 

I’m also so glad that I had the honor of knowing and loving my sweet cousin Matt for 30 years.  We were only four years apart in age, and while growing up, I thought of Matt as a younger brother.  He grew into such a responsible and talented man of honor.  After 8 years of military service overseas, Matt came back to Alabama. At age 26 he enrolled to finish college hoping for a career in military service.  And once again, he became my “little” brother.  I was going through a really hard time and Matt stepped in and “saved the day.”  He brought joy and adventure to some rough times.  He was my close friend and encourager.  Lots of fun times are treasured in my heart as perfect memories!



Matt met a special lady and got married.  Yes, she won the heart of a terrific man… Matt could hunt, cook, paint, wood-work, and interior decorate.  He was a biker, a gardener, a builder.  He was also a full-time student, and he graduated with honors.  He was a soldier and served bravely (Iraq).  He put his heart into everything he did, and he did it right the first time.  Matt was a good husband and an amazing Daddy to a sweet little girl. 

Before he passed, I had a chance to tell Matt that he was my hero…. that I love him…  that I am SO proud of him….  and that I THANK him for serving our country and our family with so much honor and dignity.  No Regrets.  I said what I needed to say.

Matt passed away in March 2012 after a brave fight with cancer.  Three battles.  Two cancers.  He is with the Lord because he too found truth in “a glorious hope.”

Cousin Matt and I in 2007 at D&J's wedding

My Easter prayer is that all would find this “glorious hope.”  Amen.

AJF - Spring Portrait Session