Memorial Day -- July 14

Today commemorates a day in my personal history that will always be remembered. After suffering at least 8 years with the cruel disease of Alzheimer, on July 14, 1996, my Mother entered the presence of the Lord – finally able to sing, laugh, talk and rejoice once again. It was Sunday morning when my sister called from Arkansas to say that Mom was finally Home. How appropriate that her first day in Heaven was a Sunday.

It never entered my mind to not go to church that morning. I needed to be with my “family� in the Lord, in addition to the fact that it was Ed and Judy Underwood’s first Sunday as pastor of Church of the Open Door. Having served with Gene on the Search Committee, we had already grown to love Ed and Judy, and it was most fitting that I allow the Lord to bring comfort to me thru the ministry of our new pastor.

Every July 14 since, I have thanked God that my Mother is finally Home and a whole person, and that God brought the Underwoods to COD and into our lives personally. Gene and I have been challenged to greater spiritual growth through Ed’s ministry of God’s Word than at any time previous.

So this blog gives Glory to God for these special people:

Helen Virginia Schwepker, my mother, who loved Him with all her heart, even when she didn’t know anyone anymore.

Ed and Judy Underwood, senior pastor and dear friends at Church of the Open Door, whose love for Him continues to challenge us to ruthlessly trust Him more each day.

Thank you for your life-changing contributions to my life.