WEEK 39 ~ SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2016

Kim and I thoroughly enjoyed our time away at the Revive Our Hearts conference...it was wonderful to be reminded of God's faithfulness and our task to pray...pray without ceasing. It was nice to meet up with some friends and family there, even enjoying lunch from food truck row. It was a delight to meet our new american friend, Nancy from the Moody Bible Institutebooth...we felt a little like canadian celebrities, eh Kim? Thankful for our time of rest, relaxation and refreshment.

When we got home, Mark had yummy made-from-scratch potato bacon soup ready for us to eat. I was glad to see everyone and I think they were happy too. I was so excited to share the different Christmas ornaments I brought home...especially Carsten who received a personalized ornament!

Alex and Carsten were away at their school retreat while I was gone...they had a great time and are looking forward to next year already. 

I was super excited to put up some fall decorations that I got while I was away...it's the first time really decorating for any season and why not start with the best one? 

 

While Kim and I were away, we were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of a teen in our community. The Hiemstra's posted a couple times on their Clovermead Adventure Farm page...

Our youngest son Jordan has died tragically overnight, as parents we are filled with unbelievable grief and pain. Our staff will open and operate the farm today, but the Pumpkin Festival Events and Beestro food service will be closed. Thank you for your understanding.

Our hearts are broken and our dreams of our youngest son’s future and opportunities have been crushed Friday night. Our Jordan, has tragically ended his life here on earth. He struggled with the deep pain of depression, and was seeking medical and counseling help with the support of our family and two close friends. He wanted to keep it private, and yet in the end he made it so public. We grieve intensely as family but yet we have hope in a better place, like Jordan did. He led our family in prayer at supper, and said "goodnight I love you", but something in his mind made him say and believe that he was too weak and that the internal battle against himself, wouldn’t get better. We covet your prayers for all persons involved, for his close friends and the people that he positively impacted in his short life of 17 years.

Our thoughts and prayers continually found there way back to the Hiemstra family and friends as they prepared to lay Jordan to rest. 

Hiemstra, Jordan Christopher of R.R.4, Aylmer passed away in Aylmer on Friday, September 23, 2016. Jordan was 17 and a student at London District Christian Secondary School. Loving son of Chris and Christy Hiemstra and brother of Justin and Caitlyn. Dear grandson of Adam and Anna Bergsma, Henry and Ann Hiemstra and nephew of Lori Ponsen(Ben), Allan Bergsma(Julia), Ken Bergsma, Barb Vandenbrink(Henry), Terry Hiemstra(Frieda) and Wendy Dieleman(Sam). Born in Leamington, Ontario on July 19, 1999. Visitation at the Aylmer Christian Reformed Church(Caverly Road at South St. W.) on Monday 2-4 and 6:30-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held at the church on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11:00 am. Interment Aylmer Cemetery. Donations to the Aylmer Christian Reformed Church would be appreciated.

Thank you Chris and Christy for selflessly sharing the pain you are suffering in the hope of helping others who may be struggling with mental illness. Your words were both beautiful and inspirational, but it breaks our hearts that you are having to walk this path. Thank you for sharing the wonderful hope in Jesus Christ that He offers to all. May God uphold you and your family, granting you peace beyond all understanding as you journey forward. 

I fell in love with this song this week, the tune and lyrics were soothing to my soul in light of all the events this week. 

The Lord is my Salvation

The grace of God has reached for me
And pulled me from the raging sea
And I am safe on this solid ground
The Lord is my salvation

I will not fear when darkness falls
His strength will help me scale these walls
I'll see the dawn of the rising sun
The Lord is my salvation

Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save faithful in love
My debt is paid, and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation

And when I reach my final day
He will not leave me in the grave
But I will rise He will call me home
The Lord is my salvation

Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save faithful in love
My debt is paid, and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation

Glory be to God the Father
Glory be to God the Son
Glory be to God the Spirit

The Lord is my salvation
The Lord is my salvation
The Lord is my salvation

Logan Update...He gets to go home

I love spending time with the kids watching hockey and was thankful for the time to enjoy a special game...Savannah, Carsten and I watched the World Cup of Hockey gold medal game and Canada became champions...Canada owns hockey.