A NEW HOME for my Dad

Thank you for your words of compassion at the death of my father, Weldon Warnock. Many of you have experienced the death of a parent, so you know the odd feeling, the effort made to remember old times and hear their voice. You also know the comfort that can be found in believing that our REDEEMER LIVES and ETERNAL LIFE HE GIVES.

My Dad was not perfect. He was forgiven. His memory of scripture was unbelievable.

In his final hours he said..."Hope...hope...hope...hope." I don't know what was going on in his mind or spirit at that time, but I find great comfort in those final words. He had the hope of heaven.
  • AlanL
    Sounds like he was looking forward to it! I know the thought of your dad in Heaven gives you comfort now.
    by AlanL at 10/10/09 11:13AM
  • joc
    What sweet words to speak as he was leaving this world behind. And we have the hope of seeing him again. He was a wonderful teacher of the Word.
    by joc at 10/10/09 5:21PM
  • jenkegley
    We love ya'll and have been praying for you. We are saddened by the loss, but not as those who have no hope. *hug*
    by jenkegley at 10/10/09 5:38PM
  • derbydi
    How awesome! Isn't it great that we can take comfort in that thought, too--for our loved ones and for ourselves--if we are but obedient to the Lord.
    You and your family are in our prayers.
    by derbydi at 10/12/09 9:23AM
  • justg
    Your dad and his life lived inspired many. I am sorry for your loss.
    by justg at 10/12/09 5:47PM
  • ncreaves
    Happy tears for your Dad and what a wonderful parting word. When we lived in Ohio and Brownie worked with the congregation in Sciotoville, we often heard positive, appreciative comments about him and his faith and influence. Someday I'll have to share a couple of funny Ohio stories with you about a common friend who is still single. (hint) Am presently reading Connie's book and hearing of his longtime connection with your family. Isn't it a blessing to have been the daughter of such a godly servant of the Lord? Love to you.
    by ncreaves at 10/12/09 9:22PM
  • 23_bravo_7
    There is always an empty place with the death of a loved parent. Mom had been gone for 11 years and still, so many times, I miss not being able to talk with her and get the advise and comfort she offered. "Mom could fix it". But God is His wisdom has arranged it so that those who love Him don't get too attached to this life and seeking His advise we will enjoy eternal comfort.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 10/15/09 5:40AM
  • rainout
    i've been thinking of y'all a lot and praying too, he was very special.
    by rainout at 10/15/09 7:55AM
  • rainout
    I forgot to tell you, the other day dad was in my office and relating the details to us and when he told us that Wilson told him what Weldon had said about him, he got choked up...really got to me
    by rainout at 10/15/09 10:08PM
  • ninja_penguin
    I'm sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great man and I had a lot of respect for him. My prayers are with you and your family.
    by ninja_penguin at 10/24/09 4:18AM
  • sheliandbrettsmom
    Thanks so much for the quote to the right...wow! Also thanks for sharing your sweet Dad's last words. A'int that what it's all about? My ever have that hope...until the end!
    by sheliandbrettsmom at 11/05/09 5:12PM

Renewing Old Acquaintances

I have not been on pleo for several months. I've been mainly on Facebook and have enjoyed that. I've connected with so many from the past.

Since my last entry...my Dad has had a downward spiral with his health. He is now in long term care...on the same floor as my Mom, just in different rooms. These are difficult days.

On a lighter note...Wilson's new book is out and having wonderful response and reviews. The book is called "A Life Lost...and Found"...a Journey of Hope and Healing Through Tragedy. Please visit www.alifelostandfound.org for a complete review.

Luke is now a freshman in high school...has become an avid golfer.

Naturally I am still enjoying the "Life of Nana".

I hope your journey today will be filled with hope and joy!
  • AlanL
    Luke must have gotten the golfing gene that Wilson somehow missed.
    by AlanL at 09/24/09 9:36AM
  • joc
    Hi Julie, Glad to see you back. So sorry to hear that your mom and dad are having such a difficult time. I know it is hard on them as well as the family. I went through that with both my parents. They were both younger than I am now when I lost them. I will pray for you and hope you have a good day.
    by joc at 09/24/09 10:30AM
  • mamahastings
    So sad to hear about your Dad. I would love to visit with him. He will be in my prayers.
    by mamahastings at 09/24/09 10:36AM
  • tommyswife
    Hope you are able to find strength and comfort as you battle hard times! Thinking of you and saying prayers for your entire family.
    by tommyswife at 09/24/09 2:44PM
  • 23_bravo_7
    Some how the discussions on FB are not like Pleo. Discussions on Pleo seem to be deeper.
    My 87 year old Dad is not ready for the assisted living yet but he can't get around well and can only stand for short periods. Spends most of the day in a chair. I think what hurt him most is when he gave away his set of Ping golf clubs because he can no longer use them. I don't think this was the old age he was looking for but sometimes we have no say. Mom passed away 12 years ago. Actually death was kind to her. It took her when she could no longer be active.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 09/24/09 4:40PM
  • justg
    I am sorry your days are difficult. Parents. One is never sure what to pray for.
    by justg at 09/24/09 10:07PM
  • ncreaves
    Wow--we are going thru similar struggles. I'm beginning to think my Mom is like the duracell bunny or the old timex commercial where the watch takes a lick and keeps on ticking! :) You hafta laugh.....but then I've cried so much that it feels good just to smile. My Mom is probably down to 80-85 lbs. and she was a medium sized lady. My Dad use to say my Mom was "pleasingly plump". I thought that was a rather sweet way of saying she was overweight. My Dad wants to outlive my Mom so that he can help with her care to the extent that he makes going to the doctors office a hobby. Like I said, you have to keep a sense of humor about all this. Hope you have a good weekend. We are in danger of being washed away here in Georgia. I've been imagining Noah and his family rocking with the waves in the ark pondering all the rain. At least we can get on the internet or read!
    by ncreaves at 09/26/09 1:49PM
  • rainout
    SO SORRY about your dad -- just heard this morning -- what a special soul he was, we loved him here in baytown. praying for you all.
    by rainout at 10/05/09 11:44AM
  • aikenape
    so sorry to hear about your dad. i will keep you all in my prayers.
    by aikenape at 10/05/09 7:10PM
  • cruisingmom
    You and your mom are especially in my prayers. I will be praying for your whole family. An enormous loss for so many of us but he is going home...
    by cruisingmom at 10/06/09 2:13PM
  • derbydi
    Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    by derbydi at 10/08/09 9:15PM

Getting to Heaven...One day at a time

This week our adult class in VBS is studying this title under the teaching of Lowell Sallee. Wow...so practical...makes you think...brings you to your knees...touches your heart.

Tonight was about love. Can't get to heaven if I don't love my brethren. Can't get to heaven if I am not kind. Love never fails...people do.

Good Stuff
  • tommyswife
    I like that, "Love never fails, people do!" Have to use that one.
    by tommyswife at 06/19/09 1:53PM
  • derbydi
    He's a good preacher. Sounds like great classes!
    by derbydi at 06/21/09 7:55PM

Losing Perspective

Ever lost perspective? You know...the ability to see things for what they really are. I have done that before. I forgot reasons for why things were done the way they were....decisions made...and focused on what I wanted.

Perspective helps you realize just what life is all about. It strengthens your insight and enables you to persevere through rough times. If you lose it...judgement becomes shaded and shallow. Loss of it makes compromise so much easier.

Your thoughts?
  • 23_bravo_7
    Sometimes we have to fall back, regroup and relearn the basics. It seems, at times, we get so bogged down in battling over issues that we lose sight of our real purpose here and the basics of The Greatest Commands.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 06/09/09 4:14AM
  • tommyswife
    For me at least, I have found that as I left my 20's perspective took on a new meaning. In my teens and 20's I went through the "know it all" section of my life. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to more often see things in another light. And when your husband is unemployed perspective of just how fortunate your situation is healthy for me! :)
    by tommyswife at 06/09/09 7:25AM
  • 23_bravo_7
    Speaking of that, my cousin Sandy told the story of a preacher who, at the conslusion of his sermon, had to wake the songleader to start the invitation song.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 06/09/09 4:16PM
  • justg
    lololo...^^^Sometimes we sing 'Awake old sleeper..' for invitation! That's a good way to get the attention!
    by justg at 06/09/09 4:22PM
  • ncreaves
    Thought about it and decided a more serious answer is in order. Glad you provoked me to think. There are so many situations I would handle differently now. Maybe getting back on track is really about growth. Sometimes when we are knocked down we get up stronger or a period of weakness helps us gain the resolve to do better. I especially like Ecclesiates 4:9-12. I have been lifted up many times by others--it adds, "woe to him who is alone when he falls". Sometimes the simple act of prayer refreshes our perspective and renews our determination. Thanks for giving me thoughts to meditate on while I cleaned my house.
    by ncreaves at 06/10/09 11:50AM
  • kmedasmom
    My sister is heading to the hospital right now. It is a 3 hour drive for her. He is not doing good at all. I will give you a better update later. I am doing this mobile and it is too difficult to write much. I appreciate your prayers.
    by kmedasmom at 06/17/09 11:34AM
  • kmedasmom
    John is in stable but serious condition right now.
    by kmedasmom at 06/17/09 3:36PM
  • kmedasmom
    After the surgery they doctor's said John was bleeding but they did not know where it was coming from. I just got a text from Becca and she said the bleeding has stopped and they have removed the chest tube. We serve and AWESOME GOD!!!!
    by kmedasmom at 06/18/09 10:07AM

HOME

Have been out of town for the past week. It was a difficult week for reasons that I cannot explain. But...leave it to say that I am glad to be home where I feel wanted and comfortable.

"My Jesus Knows Just What I Need."
  • 23_bravo_7
    Great song. Hope it was not a case of the brethren giving you difficulties.
    by 23_bravo_7 at 06/04/09 4:07AM
  • tommyswife
    Glad you have found santuary at home! :)
    by tommyswife at 06/04/09 7:37AM
  • kmedasmom
    :)
    by kmedasmom at 06/04/09 8:58AM
  • jenmurff
    Glad y'all made it back safe and sound.
    by jenmurff at 06/04/09 10:34AM
  • derbydi
    There's no place like home, is there?
    by derbydi at 06/04/09 11:17AM
  • justg
    Home. Nearly always a safe place. I do hope you are finding calm and a measure of peace.
    by justg at 06/04/09 2:22PM
  • joc
    It was so good to see you, Julie. That Luke has grown up to be a handsome guy. I know you all are proud of him.
    by joc at 06/04/09 4:54PM
  • carolattheriver
    Who all was here? The entire fam? I am sorry that I missed you too!
    by carolattheriver at 06/04/09 10:23PM