Hello everyone,
I just wanted to say hi and share some of the things that have been on my heart. As Ramey and I’s anniversary date approaches (March 8th- would have made 11 years) I find myself a little emotional, occassionally. For any guys reading this post, that does not mean that I was crying…OK….(kidding). So as I reflect, I watched her video thats on the post and courier link, and I just can’t believe that shes really not here. I think, wow, Lord…are you sure this was your plan, how this was suppossed to go. I mean…wasn’t there any easier options? If you’ve ever been through anything similar you know what I mean, its like you can visualize her sitting right there….right in the same chair that shes on in the video. You can see her talking, and laughing, and chewing gum….. while she’s talking and laughing…ON CAMERA! It’s like it just happened yesterday, but at the same time without watching the video, I sometimes feel like I can’t even remember what it was like to have her around.
So- what to do in times like this. Go to the scriptures!
The other morning as I read through Isaiah 7:1-9 . As I read through this chapter, you see King Ahaz, one of the more wicked Kings of Israel (the southern part called Judah), as he is facing a confrontation with Northern Israel and Syria. God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to tell the king not to worry about it, “I got it covered, these guys aren’t going to do anything, as a matter of fact, in a few years, Northern Israel won’t even exist. Isaiah says in verse 4 ” Fear not”….but then says ” if ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.” In other words, if you don’t trust and have faith in the promise from God, you will not be “established”-”grounded”- “secure”- you will be living in FEAR! What I find most interesting is that we see throughout scripture that when God makes a promise- regardless of how wimpy our faith is sometimes- That promise is going to be fulfilled. That promise is not dependent on us, whether or not we waiver in our belief sometimes. God says “It’s going to happen”, and it will. It’s our decision, our choice, whether or not we are going to stand firm on that promise. Look in verse 9, God says if you don’t believe, your going to be a wreck…Not- if you don’t believe then it won’t actually happen. So for you and I, what are we going to do with God’s promises. I mean Romans 8:28 says that ”All things work together for good”- right? Will we stand firm on the Promise, like on a Solid Rock, so that we remain balanced, steady, and in the boldness that God will complete what he promised (Phillipians 1:6- To complete what he started) or are we going to take what God has promised to us and doubt it, and continue to live in “panic” mode, in fear, in worry. The reality is God sees the beginning to the end. There are no surprises for Him. When he makes a promise-He keeps it.- Trust in That.
John
Hey John-
thank you for the precious reminder of God’s promises. I still cannot imagine this process that the LORD is allowing you (and the rest of the family) to go through. However, praise HIM for your faithfulness to HIM.
We miss you guys. I think about Rame every day and I pray for you and Judah and the rest of the family every day…
We had a little girl almost two weeks ago. Part of me wondered if the LORD allowed Ramey, my grandfather, and Tim’s dad to see this little miracle come into this world.
Take care. Come visit us…
Tim, Flo, Izzy, Sam and Tessa
John,
I know what you’re saying, better yet, I feel what you’re saying. My one & only daughter went home to be with the Lord just 20 days after her 17th birthday. That has been 9yrs ago. I often feel, as you do, that a huge part of your life is missing. I questioned God, ” couldn’t there be another way?” I’m sure that Jesus felt every heartache & pain that we could ever experience, when in the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”(Matt 26:39). Then, when at our most desperate & darkest hour we surrender all to our Father, knowing that we are in His hands & He will set our feet on solid ground. It is at this time when our entire being utters the words, “not as I will, but as you will.” Again, Jesus went before us and uttered those very words. John, the light of Jesus shines within you, Ramey was the match that set in motion an urgency to reach the lost. You now have a mission, to touch the lives of the brokenhearted & those that are suffering & confused. Thank you for including us in your journey. Bless you, my bother. Be encouraged & carry on to the finish.
John,
God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie
great reminder… very good for me today.
I felt like a “wreck” yesterday. It comes and goes… as you know.
still praying-
John,
I needed this today.
Love you guys.
Sun
Love you, John . . . and of course Judah boy too! What a great wedding day ya’ll had–not because of the circumstances–rain pouring outside the carport, dogs barking, cars honking . . . but because of the love you shared and the commitment you made before God. I was honored to be there. So often, people have these elaborate, expensive, beautiful weddings–they put more effort and emotion and time into the wedding day, than they do in the marriage itself–and so often in the end, they don’t stay together. You and Rame knew what was really important, and God blessed your relationship because of it. Happy Anniversary–it is still a day to celebrate -you had a real love and a faithful love and were completely true to the vows you made before God! Congratulations! Ya’ll were and still are an example to many!
Much love,
Kat
John: Still think of and pray for you and Judah (and family) often.
I sure do miss that girl. Not like you do, or Judah, or her family or best friends. But she left an indellible mark on my soul that will never diminish. She was truly special.
I celebrate your love for her today. It’s still precious and still committed!
My thoughts and prayers are always with you ~
I’m so glad I thought to check this site… I am so encouraged by you, John, and what God is doing in your life. How I miss sweet Ramey, as well as you and Judah. What a special time I had in Charleston those 3 years… I would give anything to be on your couch watching American Idol again with the three of you guys… you and Ramey were such an example of a Godly marriage… two amazing people who loved God and loved everyone else around them. I am so thankful I was able to be around you two for that time. What a blessing.
God is good, God is perfect, and we trust He has the perfect plan. We will see her in heaven- with our Lord!!!
love to you and Judah ~ you are always in our prayers…
Alissa
Hi John!!
It is so good of you to continue to write. You know, there is no time limit on when you need to stop crying, and missing your Ramey. Sometimes I really don’t know how you manage to get out of bed. I only knew her for about one month and she changed my life. Sometimes I will be at home or in my car, I will think of her, you, or the Harders and start crying. So…. I cannot even begin to understand your loss.
I believe everything you said tho. I believe Jesus will wipe away your tears and your pain, and you will be with your sweet Ramey again someday. I talked to Terry about the fact that I am ready for Jesus to come. I am tired of waiting. But what other choice do any of us have??
I pray for you and little J daily. Know that other folks care about you.
Grace, peace, healing, comfort, and eventually joy. That is my prayer for you. Daily.
If you need anything, let me know.
L
Hey John….I smiled when I read this and I can totally picture Rame in the video, chewing, laughing and just being her unique and beautiful self! I also smiled as I remembered your special day, and like Kat said, I am honored that I could be there as well! It was beautiful, along with the love you shared. (the fish fry was the bomb!! hee-hee!!) A beautiful bride, an adoring husband and a day that exalted our Lord and Savior! A day I will cherish.
Love and prayers always!
Amy Sue
I forgot about that fish fry..
so honored to have been there.