Cindy Angel
I have been thinking lately about the future of this blog. I am wondering if you think I should continue the blog in some fashion. I honestly want to know what you think. I believe a sense of community has developed over the past few months and I am hesitant for that to end. If you do think the blog should continue do you have an idea about what it should be called? Please let me know.
While in Nashville I received a phone call from Chris Jones, a great friend from Albuquerque. He and his wife Susan who both work at their family owned jewelry manufacturing business had a neat idea. They were wondering if they could create and manufacture a Christmas tree ornament in honor of Cindy. They wanted to call it the "Cindy Angel." Of course I was incredibly honored and thought it was a fantastic idea. They have already begun to make them and they look beautiful. On the front is a singing angel. The back has her favorite scripture and three little stars representing the boys. If you would like to get one of these ornaments you may call 505-884-7926 and speak with Sandy. All proceeds from their sale will be used to cover Cindy's medical expenses and whatever is left over will be added to the boys educational fund. These ornaments will be available through the end of the year. We continue to be humbled and incredibly grateful by your love, care and generosity.
If you have an interest in hearing Cindy's "celebration of Life" service you may access that through the Montgomery church website. The address is www.montgomerychurch.org Just click on resources and you should be able to find it.
I am praying that God will bless you all with spiritual vitality, physical health, and a loving spirit in this holiday season. I am so thankful for you all.
Your fellow struggler,
Kevin
While in Nashville I received a phone call from Chris Jones, a great friend from Albuquerque. He and his wife Susan who both work at their family owned jewelry manufacturing business had a neat idea. They were wondering if they could create and manufacture a Christmas tree ornament in honor of Cindy. They wanted to call it the "Cindy Angel." Of course I was incredibly honored and thought it was a fantastic idea. They have already begun to make them and they look beautiful. On the front is a singing angel. The back has her favorite scripture and three little stars representing the boys. If you would like to get one of these ornaments you may call 505-884-7926 and speak with Sandy. All proceeds from their sale will be used to cover Cindy's medical expenses and whatever is left over will be added to the boys educational fund. These ornaments will be available through the end of the year. We continue to be humbled and incredibly grateful by your love, care and generosity.
If you have an interest in hearing Cindy's "celebration of Life" service you may access that through the Montgomery church website. The address is www.montgomerychurch.org Just click on resources and you should be able to find it.
I am praying that God will bless you all with spiritual vitality, physical health, and a loving spirit in this holiday season. I am so thankful for you all.
Your fellow struggler,
Kevin
posted by Kevin Owen | 1:09 PM
51 Comments:
Definitely please keep the blog it has been a great source of peace and inspiration to us. Maybe you can include prayer requests from others who use the blog as well. We can make it a community prayer contact point.
Rick Leger
What about you, Kevin, do you need the blog for awhile longer? I think I would, I don't even know you personally, but a part of ME would hate to see it end so soon. I don't know why I felt compelled to come here. I had been praying for Cindy and your family. I would look for HOPE, FAITH, LOVE. There probably will come a time when this too will need to be laid to rest, or transformed, like Cindy to new life, but part of me would want to hold on to something that had a part of her while living. I hope that's helpful.
Kevin, even though we've never posted a comment before this, we have checked it daily - even since Cindy's passing. I think we continue to check the blog as a way to monitor how you and the boys are doing. We don't know your family that well, but feel a great sense closeness to you because of your kindness and wonderful welcoming ministry to us. We want to help in some way and, even though we don't often know how or what to say, we do think of and pray for you and your boys daily.
Love and prayers,
The Browns
Kevin,
I still check it every day. . .right now just for some assurance that you and the boys are making it. We are praying for your family and even though I haven't commented often, I, like many others I know, feel so close to y'all thru this blog. Would it be possible to keep it? Partly as a prayer request line maybe as Rick suggested and partly as a way to stay connected and a place for you to share? (I had the word "vent" but was afraid that looked negative.) Just a thought. Whatever is best for you.
In His Love,
Chris Lynxwiler (and Kevin and family)
Dear Kevin,
I too feel like it's too soon for this blog to end. I check it daily as well just to see how you, Chase, Reid, & Trey are doing. As we all grieve for the loss of Cindy, this blog provides each of us with a way to work through our pain and to help minister to you as you grieve.
I rememeber the weeks after Mike's mother passed away from cancer. It seemed like the world went on like it always does, but my life had been profoundly changed. I was still in so much pain. I knew she was in a better place and I found peace in that, but I still loved and needed her and she wasn't there! My saving grace was that there were people out there who knew her and who cared about how our family was doing without her physical presence in our lives.
Kevin, we all love you and are mourning with you. Cindy was an incredible woman of faith. I learned so much from her graceful walk with God.
I love the idea of the ornament honoring her. The first Christmas without Mike's mother, we went out as a family and purchased an ornament honoring her. Each Christmas since then we put it on our Christmas tree in a place of honor. There are tears at times, even now, but mainly we just talk about how much we still love and miss her and how precious she was to us. We share memories of her and laugh at some of those special times we had with her before she passed away. Chase, Reid, and Trey will treasure that ornament and it will be a physical reminder of just how special their mother was.
Kevin, we love you and the boys and you are not alone in this journey. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, the boys, and Cindy's family. Cindy blessed so many of us and I feel better knowing that we can honor her by being here for you during this difficult time.
In Christ,
Anne Marie Van Horn
I love the ornament idea, and will definitely plan on ordering one! How sweet of your friends to think of a tangible way to honor Cindy.
As far as blogging, many of us would love to hear from you about how you are doing. Your blog also gives us an opportunity to encourage you in ways that we otherwise wouldn't be able to.
Another idea is to expand the blog to include your thoughts on ministry and what you're reading, as well as how God is bringing about healing in your life.
Maybe you could include the word "Life" in your title as a way to honor Cindy's life.
Kevin, the only thing I can write is if you feel comfort continuing the blog than we would love for you to. If you feel it very hard to continue the blog than we will understand your feeling. Kevin I love you very much and you and your sweet boys are very important in my life and they always will be. please know that my family are ALWAYS here for you and your family. good luck tomorrow and I wish I was there to hear your sermon. have a great week and I will be home very soon and see you soon.
Kevin,
I have to confess, the Monday after Cindy's funeral, I prayed for you guys as usual and called your pager. I was just crushed to hear that you had turned it off. I didn't realize how much it had become a part of my life. I am continuing to pray for you guys, pager or not! So there!:)
As far as the blog goes, your comments reminded me of one thing I remember Mimi Boling saying one time. She said that she always wanted Josh to know that they were always a familyregardess f what happened. I know that your situation is vastly different from hers but I think the idea still applies. You, Cindy, and the boys are still a family, and you will be for eternity. Relationships in Jesus are forever.
I'd love to see you continue to blog your family's journey through this.It might be beneficial for you and others who have experienced similar trials.
There are many different reasons people have for starting and maintaining a blog. Sometimes you just can't help but write. One blogger I check on titled his blog "Scribere Orare Est- To Write is to Pray." I hope you continue to share your prayers with your community of faith. If you find that you can't, I understand. If you continue this, do it because you want to, not because you feel you have to.
Brothers,
-j
I think it is a wonderful site. A place where you can share memories of Cindy, things she has done or said and a place where people can continue to send you their prayers and well wishes. The Cindy Angel is wonderful idea and I pray the sell enough to cover all the medical expenises when much more left over for the boys. God bless and keep you.
In Christain Love,
Vicki Pitcher
Kevin,
Checking this blog has become a part of every day for me, just as it has for so many others that love you. I feel that this is a huge Care Group. I know some of these people, most of them I don’t know; but I now recognize their names and feel drawn to them. I want to hear about you and the boys. I want to know how to pray specifically for you. However, I don’t want maintaining this blog to become a burden for you. I know that your hands are pretty full right now. I hope that you want to keep this connection to all of us. If, however, it becomes more than you can manage to find time for, I hope that you will feel free to close this. We will continue to pray for you and the boys, blog or not! I thank your friends for creating such a wonderful and appropriate tribute as the Cindy Angel.
Much love,
Beth Vanderpool
Thank you to the Jones family and Enchantment Jewelry for creating the Cindy Angel. What a wonderful way to remember Cindy and help her family still on earth. I am wearing my Cindy Angel as a necklace. It keeps Cindy close to my heart and gives me opportunity to tell my friends, co-workers and total strangers about Cindy’s Godly life.
Kevin, I too check this blog every day. Thank you for all the entries you have made over the last months. I know sometimes it has been hard to sit down and write, especially when the news has not been good. It has been a source of encouragement to so many of us. The love that I have seen via this blog is amazing, both from you Kevin and the many people that have posted comments
Kevin
Your blog is, I belive, an incredible ministry to many people. How you choose, or if you choose, to continue it opens up possibilities for God to speak through you to us in a whole other arena. I know I enjoy listening to/reading "Kevin my brother" as much as "Kevin my pastor". And I see God in both...
Praise God!
p.s. thanks for the wonderful initial response to the Cindy Angel! Over $6000 was netted last Sunday alone, with more requests/donations coming in daily. Praise God indeed! This is truly a blessing, and anyone who wants one of these ornaments can get one, even if you're unable to make a donation! Just ask! We want everyone to have one!!
We love you Owen Family!!!
Chris Susan Kyle and Kendall
Kevin,
I would personally love to see the blog continue. As you know, I always kept up with you guys by talking to Cindy every few months. I would really like to know how you and the boys are getting along. We are looking forward to receiving our ornament. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person! Love, Kristi
Your family has become apart of so many families around the world through this blog. We've all prayed, cried and smiled while reading it and I personally hope you continue to use it to share the Owen story. So many people are watching your family to see how God will care for you ... This blog has become a great testimony and source of strength.
Kevin,
I was thinking of Cindy today and your family, I didn't know the blog was still up and going, but felt the need to be close to her and thought I would just check. It has been very hard to make sense of everything that has happened, but reading your scriptures reminds me that Cindy is where she has always lived her life to be. I love the Christmas ornament idea, I will be ordering mine today. I am glad that you are keeping Cindy's memory close to the boys, they are beautiful children. Please keep the blog site going, as it has given me comfort today, and I hope it does YOU. Becky Miller
Becky Miller Olney
You really should keep this blog. I think it is good for you and the boys down the road. I also think that your witness to others in this blog reaches far beyond anything you could ever comprehend. The light of Jesus that shines through every word you say is such a wonderful example to us believers and non-believers alike. I thank you Kevin for being so honest and real through this whole experience.
You are in my prayers,
Jennifer
The "Cindy Angel" is a wonderful
and loving symbol of what Cindy meant to so many people.
Would it be possible to post a URL and have them available online?
I would certainly love to have one.
Kevin and boys,
It is important to me, and my family here in Texas to have your blog to read. It has served as a connection to our family at Montgomery, as we have all felt comfort, sandness, peace, and a sense of connection through reading your blog. It has helped me to know exactly what to pray for through this year, for you and for the Montgomery family.
I look forward to seeing you as we come home to Montgomery for our Christmas Holiday. We continually pray for you here in Dallas, and within our small groups at Highland Oaks.
With so much Love,
Shannon (Pardue) and Jason Herman
Thanks again Kevin for opening up this blog,and for keeping it going for now while allowing us to be involved in its potential future.
Some of y'all out there have requested a web site to see this ornament. Here's an Adobe PDF file for you to see for now, and I'll have a much more optimized picture in the near future. Please visit
Cindy Angel
Thanks and God Bless all of you!
We love you Owen Family!
Chris Susan Kyle and Kendall
It appears the embedded link isn't cooperating.
Cut and paste this into your browser for now
www.enchantmentmetalcraft.com/ROOT/IMAGES/CINDYANGEL.PDF
Thanks
Chris
AAAHhh...
It cut off the end of the URL, after CINDY type ANGEL.pdf...
A link will be posted as soon as I figure out how to keep the blogger.com from appearing in front of my hyperlink.
Chris
Let's see if going to my blog works..click below to go to my page and click on "Cindy Angel"
Cindy Angel
God Bless
Chris
Kevin,
Everytime I turn on my laptop, I go to the blog. It encourages me, it lets me 'know' how you and the boys are.
Maybe this is a way for you to "say" what might be hard to express "out loud". I know this is what I would likely do. You can express your inner feelings knowing that we will listen. Not only that but sometimes it is difficult for those of us who know you are hurting to say the right things or even know what to say. The first time I saw you after your return from TN, I thought "what do I say?" "How will he know I am not trying to make small talk but that I don't want to say anything wrong?"
I loved Cindy so very much even though I didn't have the "girl" friendship, I had the honor of being in her class, listening to her wisdom and direction and her humanness. The last time I saw her we talked about Chase and Alex being in school together and how we hoped to have that friendship that children bring you. We talked about spending time together and enjoying the boys basketball. I will forever be changed because of her. She allowed me to be bold with my faith. She supported me, she included me and she prayed for me. How could one woman be so much for so many? Something I aspire to but God gave her. You were blessed in your marriage, but you will be blessed in your life. Cindy wanted only the best for you and her boys.
But know this too, Kevin, you bring strength to us in our daily walk. Your sermons are powerful. God has given you amazing strength and fortitude as you minister to us. So, Kevin, life is still rich and precious while I am sure at times filled with sweet memories and sorrow. Much love and many prayers,
Nancye and Danny Cole
Brother,
One way or another you should keep a blog up and running, even if you create another. If you do that you can always direct people there from here.
It can serve all sorts of needs, the nurturing of community not the least among them. It would also give you a forum for discussing the faith with those already familiar with this blog and with the online community at large as this grows to God's glory.
Check out Mike Cope's blog at www.preachermike.com for some ideas.
We all love you, brother,
Brett
I stumbled on this blog some time back through a friend and feel so blessed to have been able to go on your journey with you, your family and the obvious number of friends and loved ones you are blessed with. Your strength and faith remind me of the amazing way the Father covers and keeps us all. Your struggle has helped remind me of some things that daily life can help push out of my mind. I would hope that you could continue your blog and continue to share where this journey of life takes you and your children.
Kevin. I am your friend. I was Cindy's friend. I know you both VERY well. I have laughed with you, cried with you, studied with you, and have MANY wonderful memories. And I have posted to this blog many times before as myself, yet this time, I feel the need to remain anonymous. The reason for this being that I'm ashamed to admit that I am in absolute torment over the loss of OUR beloved Cindy and despite a LOT of effort, and knowing that it has to be God's will and He has a reason, I am bitter. We live in such a hateful, mean, spiteful world, with so many people living in sin and with little regard to God or His will. And just like in the hymn "Farther Along" it talks about others living so wicked year after year. That song sums up my feelings on this whole situation. I keep trying to find a REASON of why this could happen. Why your precious Cindy could be taken from you and those boys, and of course, I do not have that reason, and I guess I never will until I can ask our Maker face to face. And even though I know it was His will, I'm still SO ANGRY. I want to reach out and wrap you and your boys up in my arms and squeeze the pain away and never let go, yet that's not possible. And I waiver every day. I try to find peace with this, but then waiver back to anger. I am strong in faith, but weak in so many other ways, and it's things like this that try to knock down my faith as well. Again, I just struggle with the whole issue of "WHY?". But that is my personal struggle, and so much of that is due to the torment I imagine that you and your boys must be going through. My heart ACHES for you all, and not knowing always makes things worse. So with that being said, and as so many others have said before me here on this blog, I think it is a WONDERFUL idea for you to continue this blog. I think the benefits of doing so would be even more than you could count. Of course, we ALL know how time-consuming and emotionally difficult it might be at times to do so, and we would ALL understand if you needed to stop. But as you said before, and even if you stopped it right now, this blog will be SUCH an incredible blessing to your boys ... especially Trey and Reid, who may have trouble remembering their precious Mom as the years go by. What an incredble gift to be able to give to them. What an incredible gift for them to be able to give to their children. I had only one grandmother whom I knew, and I loved her dearly and think of her often. I tell my own children stories of her, but as time passes, I find it more and more difficult to remember the specifics of these stories. Something like this blog would be a PRICELESS gift that you could give not only to your boys, but to their children, and their children's children, etc. I know it may be hard to see this thing stretching that far into the future, but I definitely see the potential. But again, even if you stopped it now and ended it as only you could so eloquently do, it would still be perfect just the way it is. It is the selfish part of me that would love to see you continue this blog. If you have figured it out yet, I am one of the friends from the old days ... one that you no longer see or talk to on a regular basis. Losing my grandmother had been the single most devastating event of my life until we lost your family. I will never forget the impact that had on me personally, and it forever changed me to have you and Cindy in my life. It had been YEARS since I had heard from you when all this tragedy with Cindy surfaced, and all the emotions and love came flooding back as if it were only yesterday that you left us. I am still so jealous of all those folks out there in NM to have you out there with them and to have had Cindy there with them. And of course, that's not the Christian attitude to have, but it's true. Again, in posting as anonymous writer, I feel a freedom to be more honest that I might normally be, and for this reason, I thought you might like to know that personally, there is one person out here that may need this blog for an ENTIRELY different reason than all the others listed before me here ... as a means to help me to keep my faith strong. I am utterly amazed at how you have handled this whole thing, Kevin, but I don't know why I would have expected any less from you. As others have said, you DO have an incredible talent to preach the word of God, and now, having been put through this horrendous test, I know I will not be the only one watching to see if the devil will be able to break you any because of it. Although you may have not lost as much as he did, I put you in the same boat as Job now. I am so sorry that your faith has been tested this way. I know that this has certainly tested my faith, and the "jury is still out" with me. But your example is amazing, and I will continue to check this blog daily as long as you have the strength and fortitude to post to it. As far as a suggested name for the blog, I had an idea jump to mind that didn't seem too lame ...
ANGEL INSPIRED
Cindy was an angel while on this earth for sure, and of course, the blog was created due to her illness. I hope that you will keep her "essence" in its title if you do maintain the blog. My heart is with you Kevin, and those 3 little boys. We all know how you must be suffering, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say there is NOTHING we wouldn't do for you to help you and your family get through this. You are a blessing to so many. Thank you for your incredible faith and love.
As I have read the tremendous outpouring of love and support in the midst of your loss and pain, A title comes to my mind..."Count your Blessings" It breaks my heart that you must endure this loss, and those little boys, their mommy. Keep gathering your strength from the Lord, listen to Him, talk to Him, teach your children all that is in His word and they too will gain strength, faith and the patient enduring that life requires us to have. God Bless you Kevin and your boys and may He give you comfort in all your afflictions.
Just wanted to update everyone on the Cindy Angel project, and to let everyone who reads this blog to get up to speed. Please click here to read more!
Thanks to all of you who read this blog, and I encourage those of you who are out of town to please please, honor Cindy by requesting one of these ornaments!
Merry Christmas - and we still love you Owen Family!!! We praise God for Him allowing you in our lives!
Chris Susan Kyle and Kendall
Fellow friends of Cindy,
I have been reading the many comments on here about the need to keep memories of Cindy for the boys and I have an idea. I knew Cindy when she was a teenager and I was a young girl. I remember always looking up to her and thinking how wonderful she was and yet sadly I cannot recall specific memories of her. However, many of you knew her and shared in the later years of her life and have many memories that you would like the boys to have. My heart has been breaking for her sons and I want to do something for them to have that will help them remember their mom. Having a 2 year old myself, I keep thinking about how Cindy must have felt knowing that she had so much left to say and share with her sons. I think it is our job to share the stories of her life so that her boys can remember and hear all about her.
So here is my thought - I am a Creative Memories Consultant (please understand that this is not an advertisement) and there is a new line in our products that allows us to create digital photobooks and have them printed in a coffee book style. I was thinking that each of you could write the stories you want to share about Cindy and email them to me with accompanying photos if you have them. I will then compile them and create a book (or volume of books depending on how many contributions I have) for each boy. This would give them something tangible to pull down and look at and read over and over again and maybe feel closer to their mom. I desperately want to do something to honor Cindy, celebrate her life and help her family. This is all I know to do at this point. Let me know what you all think. If it is a bad idea, that is fine. I just thought I would offer. I would welcome any suggestions and or comments.
My email is jls1105@hotmail.com
Just put Cindy Owen in the subject line so that your email will be filtered to my inbox.
Thanks!!
Jeni (Teel) Sperry - Illinois
Please DO keep the blog going. It keeps me informed and connected. I travel extensively (as a truck driver) so I'm only able to be home a very few days each month. But, each time I get home I check the blog. It gives me a peace I never would have expected, and keeps me feeling "close." I can't wait to get my Cindy Angel...she would have loved the idea. I will cherish it, and feel honored. ALWAYS praying for you and your family.
Marty Vaughn
This is to the anonymous blogger who is having such a hard time with everything that's happened. I too am a good friend from years past, and I understand your feelings of jealousy for those who were near Cindy through this ordeal. You are not alone in your feelings. As to why this happened, God can no more explain it to you than I can explain it to my dog. The point is my dog is on a different level than you or me. He sees things from a dog's point of view. We see things from a human's point of view. God is completely sovereign and Holy, we are not. I don't say any of this to be cruel, just as a way of explaining. Please don't let your feelings of anger and bitterness take over your life. Satan would love nothing more than to steal your joy because of what's happened. Remember, God does not ask us to understand everything he's done, but to trust Him. I don't believe Cindy would want you to be absorbed by anger over this. If we are truly God's children, we all have a great eternal reward coming. Cindy just received hers before the rest of us. When you remember her, think of the joy she spread to everyone she came in contact with. Even to the very end of her earthly life, she was the very essence of the name Christian. God will provide a way for her family to be at peace. I write this as a sister in Christ who loves you and I will be praying for the peace of God, which passes all understanding, to be with you.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.
Kevin, I love the idea that you would continue the blog. Besides being a way to keep up with the progress of Cindy's treatment, it was very encouraging to me personally. Please continue. We think of you and the boys so often & pray for you daily. We love you. Flo Rudd
Hi Kevin,
I might offer a slightly different look at the blog.
Like all of the above, I have been blessed to read the blog and pray with you guys. I agree that is has sparked a helpful sense of community.
On the other hand, writing a blog takes time and energy, and this one requires extra emotional energy due to the subject. I would love to see you continue this blog or a similar one. But I would say your first calling is to your family and your ministry.
If maintaining this site helps you honor those callings, keep it up. But if it is too taxing emotionally or time-wise, it would be fine to discontinue. Leave it online as a memorial for people to visit and remember and even comment.
Time will give you clarity. If you never get the time or energy to post, that's fine. We can all thank God that this community was part of this season of life. This is one of those rare times in life that it is okay for you to be a bit selfish and do what is helpful for you.
BTW, we are still praying for you and love having a Cindy Angel on our tree. We will pray for you every time we hang it.
God bless,
John Grant
Kevin,
Thank you for your sweet letter. I am feeling a bit of bittersweet this Christmas. There is some lonliness along with the excitement that this holiday brings. I can only imagine how all of you are feeling. I pray and know thru your faith and example that you all are able to rejoice in the reason of the season even though you have had to endure one of the toughest trials that this life can bring. I received my Cindy Angel, I LOVE IT, and it did lift my spirits, thank you.
I will light an extra candle Chrismas day, a special candle for Cindy and all of you.
I love you dearly,
Merry Christmas,
Bev & Jim Aldridge
Dear Kevin,
Christmas is tomorrow and I find myself thinking of Cindy and how much she was loved and how much she is missed. We have all kept going with the day to day things in life and have even found joy in life at times since she went to be with Jesus. BUT... there hasn't been a day that has passed that I don't think of her and think of you and those precious boys of yours. I know this season is a hard one for all of you and those of us that love you just want you to know that you are still not walking this path alone.
Your sermons have touched me so much this past month and in you I see the faith in God and his plan that I want to have. You are still struggling and when you show us glimpses of your humanness during your sermon, my heart cries out for you and the pain you and the boys are feeling.
I know that all of us who loved Cindy and miss her, still struggle with "why her", but I believe in a God who sees under the doubt and sees the hurt underneath... and just like a child he wraps us in his loving and ever faithful arms and comforts us.
May he wrap you, Chase, Reid, and Trey in his loving arms and bring you comfort....
Your sister in Christ,
Anne Marie Van Horn
Merry Christmas, Kevin and boys!
Kevin, I’ve heard this song twice since Cindy has passed from this life.
I was at work yesterday and just sobbed and sobbed. I could only think
of you and your little ones. I know this must be a very difficult journey
to pass through for you and your sons. I am SO sorry Kevin. I continue
to pray for you and your sons, that your faith does NOT fail. God is a
loving Father, and he holds our tears in a bottle. We have a host of faithful
servants of the Lord that have suffered immensely. Take comfort in knowing
the pain and agonies of our fore fathers. We suffer, not because the Father
doesn’t care, but because nearly 6000 years ago, two people in the garden
allowed themselves to listen to the deceiver and death entered this world.
But it is in God’s plan that the last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
Stay strong and courageous in this battle and you will see this accomplished.
In the meantime, I think it’s healthy to weep and mourn and have a good
cry. Embrace what you have…your precious sons and grieve with HOPE
the loss of your beloved Cindy…
Christmas Shoes sung by Bob Carlisle.
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Because of Jesus,
Your fellow servant,
Lori M.
Thinking and praying for you and your family today. Talk to you soon.
lamp
Just wanted you to know that you and your family were in my thoughts and prayers today.
We always think that the occaion of the birth of Christ was a time of unrelenting joy. But even in the midst of the joy of the Advent, there was the mourning of those who had lost their children to the sword of Herod. And so it is today, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we mourn those who are no longer with us. If we are among those who are joyful, it's worthwhile to remember those who mourn. If we are among those who are mourning, it is good for us to remember the joy of the coming King who will one day destroy death itself.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Come quickly!
Kevin, it has only been 48 hours since I learned of Cindy's death while I was reading the Christian Chronical. I spoke with Shari Olsen this afternoon to find out exactly what happened. Shari explained and informed me of this blog. I have spent my day (off and on) reading, and crying, and following your journey since Cindy first took ill at Pepperdine (I remember my parents telling me back then that she had been hospitalized). Through that difficult time your comments and beliefs posted at this site never waivered, not even for a second. I am overcome by the strength you and Cindy showed. To be sure, strong, to be like Job, in a way I cannot even comprehend.
I know we haven't stayed in touch over the years since both of our families left good ole Peach Plantation in Power Springs, but you have been in our thoughts nonetheless. Our time spent with you during those times are very precious to us and we still remark to people how much we loved you all. We've missed your preaching for the last 9 years! (although I enjoyed getting a little taste of it back in some of your postings!)
The times we shared together are memories I cherish. I am indebted to Cindy for encouraging me, back then, to attend a ladies retreat that I thought I was too tired to attend. I was ministered to so greatly that weekend and I had Cindy to thank for that.
Please keep this blog going so that, even from time to time, we can stay in touch and know how you and the boys are doing. It's too soon to move on (then again, I'm at least 2 months behind everybody else!).
I would also like to be able to use this blog as a reminder to give thanks for the overwhelming blessings I have in my life, most of which I overlook daily. Life is precious, even when we have something exceedingly better to look forward to with our Lord.
I don't know if you will continue to go and speak at Pepperdine and chat with my folks. I always got caught up on your family through them.
I am deeply saddened by Cindy's passing. I find myself trying to make sense of God's plan and am coming up empty. Trusting in His plan is where I need to put my energy. I find myself hugging Jordon and David longer today than ever before.
I feel like I am babbling on trying to put this all in perspective. It's not working.
I'll sign off now by saying how sorry I am that your children will not get to fully experience such a wonderful, shining, godly Mother. That is the thing that shakes me the most. I know she is in a far better place - I look forward to seeing her again there some day. Know that in my heart I am wrapping you and the boys in warm hugs.
Until next time,
Kathy Crider
Kevin,
You are in my thoughts often throughout the weeks. Just wanted to say hi, and that you're being prayed for by me (and many, many others I'm sure).
Dear Kevin --
I went to F-HU with Cindy and you! I was devastated to read of the loss of your wife. Cindy was such a sweet spirit at F-HU and had such a smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys during this year! may God be with you! Holly Rachels Hook, Bentonville AR Class of '87
Dearest Kevin, Cindy's "angel" hung in a special place on our Christmas tree. When we finally took the tree down I moved it to the fireplace mantel where we could readily see it throughout the year.
Your faith and your love of Our Lord is shining strongly. Your Sunday sermon was truly inspired. (Thank you Lord, for being with Kevin daily and for strengthening him with your Holy Spirit).
...and from Psalm 20:
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings....May the Lord grant all your requests....Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
We grieve not for Cindy, for she rests with the Lord. We thank God for the gift of his Holy Spirit, which strengthens us, ...and we are ever more Believing God.
Blessings to you and the boys,
Peggy Jameson
Kevin,
You have been an inspiration to me through Cindy's illness and passing. Cindy was to me a perfect ministers wife and she was always uplifting to the women who came in contact with her. She will be greatly missed. You and the boys are in my prayers and I feel blessed to have known Cindy! It is too late to order the Cindy Angel ornament but hopefully they will do it again sometime in the future because I would love to order one. Take care.
Just wanted to say how much everyone misses Cindy and her beautiful smile. I don't go to church very often but I have gone and remember Cindy being so tender and loving to the boys. I have 3 boys and a girl and don't know how you can survive without your best friend and mother of your kids. We do know that she is in a better place and for Christians that is the whole reason for our living to go see the Lord and feel his peace. I have heard stories from those I know who go to church there and they have told me the things that the kids have said and done that just amaze me as a mother myself. I know you are very pproud of how mature and God like your boys are and how the younger one I think it was said that it was neat at the time that his mom would get to see Jesus. To me that is a testimony to the kind of person and mother she was. Kevin keep that instilled in your boys of how they feel about Jesus and they will be fine and you all will have those wonderful memories of Cindy. I pray for you daily and that you all feel her arms around you and her love surrounding you every minute of the day. Know that she is watching our for you and the boys. God is great and he knows what lies ahead for us and continues to take care of each of us and our needs. Please keep us informed of how you all are doing so that we will know things are going good or hard for you. We will keep you in our prayers for strength, patience, love and endurance to overcome the sadness that you all feel. remember what Cindy would do when you are having troubles and and feel lonely. Just know from her example and th boys and yours that many of us have changed the way we do things. M.Martinez
To those of you that have no feelings please don't try to advertise your items or anything that has nothing to do with Cindy and her life and passing. Kevin needs your encouragement not your silly comments and what you are selling. This is not what this page is for. So please find somewhere else to do that. Thanks
Kevin I have seen you and the boys at different times in the stores and you are doing a great job. You can see the love that they feel for you and your love for them. Keep up the good work and they will make you proud. I have 4 kids and didn't relaize how fast they grow up. It seems like yesterday that mine were your boys age and now they are having their own families. Enjoy them and cherish everything they do. Have them write in a journal their feeling and what they did that day and you will be glad you did. You remember some things but we forget so much. I wish I had done that with my 4 kids but now realize how important that is as a parent. Time flys by and we do forget as we get older. Take lots of pictures too and date them. Just a few words of what one parent would do again if I had the chance. Time goes by in the blink of an eye. Ask anyone that is over 40. M.Martinez
Where are all the words of encouragement for Kevin and the boys? I can't believe that the last message wrote was in Jan of this year and now it is almost April. Come on members of the church give Kevin the words here that he can keep going back to when he is having a hard day. I am sure this has helped him termendously in his healing. Also please let us know if there are any more angels ornaments available. It would be nice to make the ornament into a tiny necklace for all to wear everyday. Or make something that the boys and Kevin can wear everyday to feel that connection to Cindy like us mothers do when we have a son or daughter in the military. Believe me it makes a differece to me. Thanks for listening.
Kevin, Chase, Reid and Trey, I think of you and pray for you often.
Hi Everyone...I agree we need more frequent posts, and encouragement for the family. My regrets for not checking back more often.
In response to anonymous, Cindy Angel ornaments are still available. Please call Sandy at the Montgomery church office or email her. More info here www.montgomerychurch.org.
We are going to do the pendant,it's a great idea. I will post with weblinks when they are ready,but if you wish to order one in advance please contact Sandy or email me
chris@usbuckle.com and we'll get a preorder list going. Donations can be sent in any amount to the Cindy Angel Project at Montgomery for either of these items, but are not required to receive.
Kevin, thanks for being such a brilliant example of humanity graced by God for all of us. It's awe-inspiring and admonishing at the same time, and your life is more of a sermon to me than you'll know. Chase Reid and Trey...be good to your daddy, and God Bless you as you grow up to be just like him. My prayers continue...
Kevin, I am sorry I haven't posted anything lately. I guess I assume since I see you so often you know my feelings. I think of you and the boys daily and just wish there was more I could do. I have told you this before but you are doing such an awesome job with your boys. Cindy would be so proud! I see you with them and know that they are loved. You have been so strong for them and sometimes I worry that you need someone to talk to that you do not have to be strong for. There are so many of us willing to be there for you and we love your family as our own. You know you can call anytime for anything. I know sometimes you feel like you are asking too much of people, but that is not the case. So many of us want to do so much we just don't know where to start or how to ask. Just know you can count on us. We love you.
H.C.
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