After sleeping for 24 hours, Bill began to wake up about every four to five hours to talk to us. So Sunday was a very emotionally charged day as we were so tired and yet so thankful to be able to say more of what we wanted to say. Bill too was very emotional as he poured his love to us. Today, again he woke up to talk to us. It seems to be taking him a bit longer to respond than yesterday, but still surprises us with his wit, biblical knowledge and memory for names (he remembered all the last names of our young adults who made a poster for him).
The struggle we have is that Bill longs to go home to be the Lord and we want that for him too...but we also want to keep him for as long as we can. And yes, we know that is selfish...but..........
Thank you again for your love, emails, blog comments, calls, food, babysitting, dog walking, and especially your prayers. We feel God's hand upon us and are so thankful to God for the gift of these two days.
-Judy-
Judy and Bill, we were praying for you as a church family yesterday at the TB Free Methodist Church. Although only a few of our members probably know you, yet they care about what you are going through. And more importantly, we know our Father loves you so much. May he hold you close and give you strength and peace.
ReplyDeleteSusan and Andre Korstanje
What an awesome God we serve - giving you this time to spend together. Thank you for you updates - helps us also to marvel at God's provision, even in our sorrow.
ReplyDeleteHow evident it is that God is holding you all in His loving hands as the prayers of His people are heard. These are precious times for your family and we pray that Bill will experience physical and spiritual peace and that loved ones surrounding him are blessed by his love.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Marion and Rob
Bill, Judy and family,
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you during this emotional time.We would all like to hold on to Bill for much longer time. Unfortunately, God has chosen an alternate plan for him.May God give you strength to support Bill.
Thanks for keeping the blog up to date. We really appreciate it.
Katy,Neal,Marc,Anneke and Johanna
Thank you so much for sharing your painful journey through this blog. We look for it every day and are moved and inspired by each post and also by the comments of so many that love Pastor Bill and your family. We share in the joy that you have had some more precious time with him. It is so tough to let go and it is our prayer that God will continue to surround each one of you in His loving arms so that your soul is filled with peace.
ReplyDeleteClem & Linda Molenkamp
I'm so thankful that God is giving you time with your husband and father. I'm thankful that the time is meaningful and you can say what needs to be said before Bill goes Home. I'm feeling very sad because the time is coming for Pastor Bill to go and that is so hard for the ones left behind. To have to go on without a husband and father, I can't even imagine how overwelming the thoughts and feelings are. I pray for you all, for peace for Bill and for the family, whatever you need, I pray God provides. With you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me; I am from Cedarburg, WI and lead a Bible study. I was looking for additional resources when I found Bill's msg on Psalm 23 from 2005 and eventually Bill's blog. My prayers go out to Bill and the family. As you can see Bill will impact believers for yrs to come.
ReplyDeleteMay God grant you His grace and only the peace He can provide.
Jim Fiste
Had a wonderful chat with Bill last night. He is ready to go; but he is effusive in his desire to offer his love. We prayed for him and wouldn't you know it he was able to verbalize a wonderful prayer.
ReplyDeleteBill and I have been close over the years. He and I were still able to drag up some very humourous moment. I am sure he will greet Jesus with his wit.
Peter and Jackie