Watching the Beautiful Dazey's

I spent the past few days watching all the beautiful Dazey's. No, I didn't spell it wrong-The Dazey's are my extended family on my mothers side. (Grandma Sims' sister) I was with them this week to celebrate the long and beautiful life of my Aunt Ruth. I loved my Aunt Ruth. She was always glad to be there for my showers, my wedding, Thanksgiving, Easter...most any event where our family gathered. Her death wasn't a surprise, but it was not ideal for anyone. But oddly enough, on the way to her funeral my parents and I heard Jeremy Camp's new song about the day we come face to face with Jesus. At the age of 28 (MONTHS from turning 29..) I've come to really look forward to that day. Now, more than ever because my Cousin Steve (Ruths son) pulled me close at the burial site and whispered in my ear "Ever since the day your grandmother died, my mom has wanted to go be with her." What a thought!! How amazing, joyous and FUN 3:25 on Monday morning was!! Aunt Ruth got to see Jesus, her husband, her sister, brother and her parents again!! I can imagine the hugs and kisses and the love that radiated! I'm amazed at this and desire it like nothing else on earth. The day we buried my grandmother I decided that I would live my life as Jesus did and love Him and obey him so that I can spend eternity with Him and the rest of the people I love dearly.
Back to the beautiful Dazeys...they cried, but mostly I saw smiles and heard stories and giggles. They are so close and loving to each other that it makes my heart swell to know that I have some wonderful people in my life. I don't see them much, in fact-some I hadn't seen in years-but they hugged me, they fought over Jorja and played with her and just LOVED. (I would like to mention that Jorja loves the men in my family and they love her equally as much, 99% of them are the construction/carpentry men who look so tough and hard on the outside-but they are bubble gum on the inside.) I loved watching the kids play with the 1980's WrestleMania figurines and giggled when little Nathan couldn't figure out why Jorja didn't want to play Hulk Hogan. In this world full of hate and despair, seeing a family who is so loving to each other did my heart good and proud.
I spent some special time alone at a few plots from family that I've lost that worked in my heart. I still hurt sometimes at the thought of losing my cousin and my grandmother, and it's amazing at how healing it is to spend some time being quiet and still and crying.
Speaking of special time-I got to spend a few hours with my friend from HS being goofy and giggly. The Adventures of Beth and Becky seem to only get funnier as we get older. I had a blast and can't wait to do it again.

PRAYER REQUEST-
My friend Emily has been admitted to the hospital because she is having trouble with her twins. She is currently at 25 wks and her body feels its time to deliver. Please pray that Ethan and Bailey STAY PUT! They are blessing from God, and the trip was heartbreaking. Keep Emily and her husband Matt in your prayers.
Also-my girlfriend with the quads has been asking for prayer. Their little Clark is in the Pediatrics ICU with a very bad respitory problem. This is a scary time for them so please pray for Brad and Jen Murray.