March 4 – “Invasion”

Wow.  I need to watch what I pray for.  Last night at the viewing Jim and Laura were filled with a strength that could only come from an invasion of the power of the Holy Spirit, filling them up and empowering them from within.  They received and personally greeted literally hundreds of well wishers.  And they did it with a smile, a hug, and often a snide comment or two (hey, that's Jim!).  The boys did a great job as well.  Jimmy stayed close to his Mom and Dad and Grandma.  Keith moved around a lot, but he stuck close by the family.  Jason sat with his uncles, and as soon as he could he grabbed his Harry Potter book and spent the evening reading.    It was great to see many old friends.  It was humbling to see so many church people, neighbors, biker club, and community folks banding together to make sure there was always enough food, and to set up fund-raisers for the family to pay medical and funeral expenses.   Josh and Christi and Zakary and Caleb got in around midnight.  We stayed up talking until right at one.  I think I finally dozed off at two.  But I "slept in" this morning.  Mom was up before me.  I think it was actually after seven.  Zakary was up right after that, and Caleb wasn't far behind.  It was so good to spend some time just playing around with the boys.  Great therapy.   There were between four and five hundred people at the Celebration Service.  The full Seaside praise team, including Jimmy on bass, led singing.  Lots of folks from every area of the Stone's life, from family to neighbors to Seaside to 4H were there.  Many tears.  Much laughter.   One more day done.   1 Timothy 1:15-17 says, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."   Father, please continue the invasion of your Spirit.  Amen.