tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post740884144825514820..comments2023-06-09T07:53:16.715-04:00Comments on Jeannie Prinsen: Giving thanks through it allJeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-86500910474401732712014-10-18T11:13:43.508-04:002014-10-18T11:13:43.508-04:00Thanks, Betsy - I really appreciate your kind word...Thanks, Betsy - I really appreciate your kind words.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-85009078064800025872014-10-18T10:57:54.524-04:002014-10-18T10:57:54.524-04:00What a blessing that your mom went "gentle in...What a blessing that your mom went "gentle into the good night." But what a difficult loss. May God surround you with special love and grace this Fall. I hope you're able to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself as you recover. I know you're a busy mother too. Thanks for writing about your mom here.Betsy de Cruzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16787903903743238209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-69751742528765861142014-10-17T16:51:35.497-04:002014-10-17T16:51:35.497-04:00Hi Nancy - it looks like your comment worked this ...Hi Nancy - it looks like your comment worked this time. And thanks so much for it. I wonder if sometimes people think that thankfulness is just a coping mechanism to soften the blow -- and yet I can't help feeling this tremendous gratitude for how everything unfolded and how strengthened and held-up we felt. Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts, which I love, reminded us that Jesus' own attitude was always one of thankfulness and that it's such an important key to living a peaceful life.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-44252028664204890662014-10-17T16:25:49.783-04:002014-10-17T16:25:49.783-04:00Beautifully said, Jeannie. I miss her so much too...Beautifully said, Jeannie. I miss her so much too. Moving on without her here is hard to think about yet but it causes me to recognize all the more how blessed we were to know her and be blessed by her friendship. Your thankfulness is a positive thing indeed. I found that when my Dad died, holding on the the gift of thankfulness helped during stages of grief. The various stages came and went but perhaps the more reactive ones were lessened in intensity because of being "kept" in this balm of gratitude. Some stages were even delayed quite a bit until I was able to process them individually instead of all at once but it seemed in each step a direction toward thankfulness eased the way. We do have so much for which to be thankful for her life. I shall greatly miss her influence here but no doubt the effect of her influence will continue in our lives. Please be sure to call just to chat if that is helpful.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14493901394565570105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-32395340564545012712014-10-16T07:20:26.793-04:002014-10-16T07:20:26.793-04:00Dear Sarah - thanks SO much for the blessing of th...Dear Sarah - thanks SO much for the blessing of this comment. I miss you! :-( I hope you and A and J are doing well and adjusting to your new surroundings.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-43927772273185143522014-10-16T05:00:43.247-04:002014-10-16T05:00:43.247-04:00God gives us the strength to carry on through life...God gives us the strength to carry on through life's challenges and pains. You, Jeannie, have the strength of character that God builds through a life of joys, sorrows, challenges and rewards. Your mother and father placed in you wisdom, kindness and faith, which is already a beacon to many. And in this time, you will know the same peace that your mother had in her final challenge. <br />And now, as the remaining adult woman in your immediate family, you may find feel unexpected burdens. These will come only to enrich your appreciation for your mother: her character and her leadership.<br />May God continue to bless you and your family, may there be particular support locally for your father, and may all of us be richer for knowing the path you journey is simply an example the LORD wants others to see of a life of steadfast faith and love. God bless you.Sarah Tunhttp://www.laruspress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-85666288861169942082014-10-15T15:19:38.454-04:002014-10-15T15:19:38.454-04:00That's a lovely poem, Sharon! And thanks so m...That's a lovely poem, Sharon! And thanks so much for your kind words.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-68120266221053962672014-10-15T14:49:51.839-04:002014-10-15T14:49:51.839-04:00Jeannie:
What a beautiful post and what an incredi...Jeannie:<br />What a beautiful post and what an incredible gift of time that you were given to spend those last days and moments with you mom together with family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers as you journey this new path. I can imagine that all those different milestones in the next year or so will be bittersweet. Missing her terribly but also remembering the good times. I have this poem from my daughter that I know will stand true for you as you remember your mom! (t was on a plaque she gave me so not sure who penned it.)<br /><br />Mom:<br />I've learned so many thing from you - what to say and what to do, <br />but most of all you taught me who loves me even more than you.<br />You taught me how to live and pray, that Jesus really was the way,<br />and through the years I watched as He took very special care of me.<br />So thank you, Mom, for now I see how faith in God has strengthened me.<br />I know how much He loves me, too, because, dear Mom, He gave me you.<br /><br />I know you will cherish those times you had together and may God give you the strength as you continue forward to be all the things your mom taught you to be in her example, for your own kids.<br /><br />Blessings on you and may you feel His nearness today!Sharon2kidshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03813788353809154844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-4564972565305979402014-10-13T14:52:46.797-04:002014-10-13T14:52:46.797-04:00Thanks, Tuija -- it's nice to hear from you. ...Thanks, Tuija -- it's nice to hear from you. I hope things are well in your part of the world today!Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-84013211333274727392014-10-13T14:25:17.590-04:002014-10-13T14:25:17.590-04:00Jeannie, I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a gi...Jeannie, I'm so sorry for your loss.<br />What a gift indeed that you have so many memories you can think of with thankfulness, not regret. God bless you and your family in this time of grief.Tuijahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08481881870878118889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-62509464951830536072014-10-13T13:42:24.176-04:002014-10-13T13:42:24.176-04:00Thanks, Tim -- I appreciate those words and your p...Thanks, Tim -- I appreciate those words and your prayers.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-35883019585847286642014-10-13T13:29:34.017-04:002014-10-13T13:29:34.017-04:00Jeannie, going through a holiday for the first tim...Jeannie, going through a holiday for the first time without your mother's company must be especially difficult. My prayers continue to be with you and your family. And I pray that God continues to bless you with people who come alongside you all too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-17664579983218715442014-10-13T13:20:50.604-04:002014-10-13T13:20:50.604-04:00Thank you, Laura -- I really appreciate your comin...Thank you, Laura -- I really appreciate your coming by and commenting today. Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-535159033620416042014-10-13T13:09:42.293-04:002014-10-13T13:09:42.293-04:00Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This ...Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This post brought tears to my eyes. My parents are both still living, so I don't know this particular type of loss firsthand. But I am thankful that you and your brothers had time with your mom before she died. Time with a loved one is such a precious gift. Your family is in my prayers. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-41160068691968390032014-10-13T12:37:27.612-04:002014-10-13T12:37:27.612-04:00Franceen, we have that song on a CD by the St. Ola...Franceen, we have that song on a CD by the St. Olaf Choir and I absolutely love it. Thanks for reminding me of it.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-63291874342952860962014-10-13T12:26:30.049-04:002014-10-13T12:26:30.049-04:00Dear Jeannie, my heart goes out to you as you trav...Dear Jeannie, my heart goes out to you as you travel through the joys and the griefs of all your remembering. Your Thanksgiving theme reminds me of a hymn that I first heard when my stepmom was in palliative care. Her brother had made a tape for her to listen to, with him singing a cappella, and this hymn, sung so simply, struck me as one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard: "My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing?" (http://www.hymnsite.com/fws/hymn.cgi?2212). We sang the hymn at my own mother's funeral two years ago. The line that most struck me is this one, "Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?" Love, FranceenFranceenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09533191769193657146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-58307869781322190772014-10-13T12:15:16.753-04:002014-10-13T12:15:16.753-04:00Thanks, Barb. You are so right. I appreciate my ...Thanks, Barb. You are so right. I appreciate my family and extended family more and more all the time. Love you lots!!!Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-28986725221888071612014-10-13T11:52:29.463-04:002014-10-13T11:52:29.463-04:00Jeannie you are right , things will never be the s...Jeannie you are right , things will never be the same! A Mother's love tho is forever and although gone from our sight she lives on through you all and how very proud she would have been of you all! As day to day life continues Remember family is forever !💕Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03670454396852254231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-68477278646326497662014-10-13T11:06:30.838-04:002014-10-13T11:06:30.838-04:00Thanks so much, Judy -- I really appreciate your c...Thanks so much, Judy -- I really appreciate your comments, and the poem is SO TRUE. May God keep bringing comfort, strength, and joy to you and your family.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-36418052010097223602014-10-13T11:04:08.529-04:002014-10-13T11:04:08.529-04:00Thanks, Adriana. I've never heard that quote ...Thanks, Adriana. I've never heard that quote before. It's so true that it's easy to give thanks when things are "agreeable to our inclinations" -- yet on the other hand sometimes we don't give thanks because we take everything for granted. I guess the past couple of months have taught me that nothing can be taken for granted -- we need to enjoy the things and people in our lives that God's given us.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590153368194137758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-20187549306485550682014-10-13T10:58:09.311-04:002014-10-13T10:58:09.311-04:00There is a special grace that God gives us when we...There is a special grace that God gives us when we lose a loved one that is so very close, a special strength that carries us through those initial few weeks and months where (even then) we know that life will never again be the same. <br /><br />One of the things that helped me after we lost our daughter (nearly a year ago now) was this poem by Annie Johnston Flint - a message that Grace is not just for salvation but for every moment:<br /><br />He Giveth More Grace<br /><br />He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,<br />He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;<br />To added affliction He addeth His mercy;<br />To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.<br /><br />When we have exhausted our store of endurance,<br />When our strength has failed 'ere the day is half done,<br />When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,<br />Our Father's full giving is only begun.<br /><br />Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,<br />Our God ever yearns His resources to share;<br />Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;<br />The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.<br /><br />His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.<br />His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;<br />For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,<br />He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!<br /><br />2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. <br /><br />Blessings, my friend.Judy Gillis a.k.a Lazarushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04849635419664832946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1761080938810306228.post-20355710815208168842014-10-13T10:41:58.245-04:002014-10-13T10:41:58.245-04:00Dear Jeannie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I...Dear Jeannie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been praying for you and will continue to do so in the coming months as you process things. <br /><br />I feel as though in this post you have humbly revealed the depth and breadth of your faith -- "Giving thanks through it all." Just yesterday I was listening to One Thousand Gifts and Ann Voskamp read a quote by St. John of Avila which struck me. I wrote itdown. (Maybe you're familiar with it; I wasn't.)<br /><br />One act of thanksgiving, when things go wrong with us, is worth a thousand thanks when things are agreeable to our inclinations.<br />— Saint John of Avila<br /><br />And here you are, Jeannie, giving thanks for a whole list of things when your heart is still raw with pain! You are such a blessing, friend.Adriana@ClassicalQuesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06718229975590311860noreply@blogger.com