We received this Christmas card many years ago. I always loved the shepherd and sheep clicking their heels in joy...
It came from some precious friends I met while I was a student at Westmont College, Gerry & Janie Iverson. They were a special pair. Their focus and intent was to live for Jesus, in everything they did. They married after college, and went on to seminary and into the ministry. They had 3 kids, one was a Downs Syndrome child who was the joy of the whole family's life.
The family was leaving Lake Arrowhead in California one day, and an 18 wheeler crossed the line and 4 of them were killed instantly. Jeff, their oldest son, was the only one who lived.
I found this card from them recently, and am posting it today. I think it's as simple and clear as anything I could possibly say, and it reflects my own heart as we head into December.
13 comments:
Things happened that is difficult to understand. But God has everything under control.
What a story... I hope that Jeff is doing well today, though I can think of many reasons why he might not be. This is where Corrie ten Boom's philosophy is so clear and perfect..."the worst can happen; the best remains."
What a great card and now it has its chance to shine again and share the same story once more.
Yes and although the story brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart hurt I have to rejoice in knowing that they are kicking up their heels in heaven and enjoying Christmas like we have never seen
What a sweet memory to bring the card out and recount a faithful family
The wonderfully simple, and simply wonderful message!
Such a tragic story - at least on this side of eternity. One day we're going to meet that family again...
...because of Jesus.
GOD BLESS!
Oh, how tragic! And, makes the card all the more special and I do love it. Thanks for stopping by!
I think it's wonderful. The best part is the childlike joy of it. Hooray!
I think it's all the more special because it shows a bit of the hearts of your friends and how they viewed the world. Knowing that gives an ending to that horrible story that makes it more bearable, if that makes sense.
Have you ever heard from the son? What a terrible thing to happen to him.
I was in touch with Janie's parents for many years, but we lost contact, and during that time Jeff was struggling, and I can't find any information on him. I pray he is okay.
This card brought a smile to my face. What a tragic story. I pray Jeff is doing well today.
Oh how sad about this family. But obviously, their lives impacted others for eternity. That card says so much that we should all remember. Thanks for sharing.
Love you,
Debbie
What a precious way to remember & memorialize such special people. If the holidays are anything, they are an annual summons to cherish precious promises & people.
Sonja,
What a joyful card, and what a sorrowful story of the family, except that they are where they are happier than we can imagine.
I do hope their son, Jeff, is okay, as that kind of trauma would simply be devastating to try to deal with your whole life.
Blessings to you this Christmas season. - marsha
We spend so much energy and money on the present and so little on how and where to spend the eternity. A good reminder from you to think differently, we can be home in a blink of an eye.
I say a prayer for the eldest son just now. He was evidently spared to sought out his problems. May he become saved and blessed and not too lonely this family time of the year.
dang. talk about in a blink of an eye.
i'm praying for that sweet older brother.
now i'm reading what felisol wrote and
realize she has said this so much better.
i 'amen' her!
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