Sixteen years...

Aren't they so cute?

It is unreal to me how fast time is flying! It has been 16 years since Jason and Lindsay died. But our hope is in Jesus who, by His sacrifice, paved the way for us to spend eternity with Him... so we know where Jason and Lindsay are! They are apart from here, but because of their faith in Christ, they are alive in spirit in heaven. They are safe! No harm can come to them anymore... and we can trust God's promise that we will be reunited one day.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~John 3:16

I am so glad that they are in heaven and not having to deal with the chaos of this world and our nation... especially as it is right now. Never in my lifetime did I ever expect that we would live through a global pandemic that has turned the world upside down! This has affected everyone on the planet in some form or another. My heart goes out to everyone who has suffered irreparable loss... there is so much loss. However, I do feel that huge trials like these can help us to grow in profound ways that wouldn't have happened otherwise. I wish we could turn back time and change the events of August 15, 2004 so that Jason and Lindsay could still be here. But God knew that day was the day they were coming home to Him. He didn't stop it but He also didn't let them die in vain. Through their story, countless people have come to know Jesus! And everyone who was personally affected will never be the same. I have grown in my faith tremendously! Jason and Lindsay's untimely deaths and the legacy of their faith impacted me deeply... and I am definitely not the only one. So, through a tragedy that shook us to our core, God helped us grow despite the grief and the pain. He can and does bring beauty from the ashes.

So as the world plunges further and further into chaos, what should we do? As we see (and perhaps experience) tragedies that will change us forever, how do we go on? Please know that God is very present and He longs to help you... to carry you... through whatever you're going through! You are not alone!

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33
♥ "This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9
♥ "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." ~Psalm 91: 1-2
♥ "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." ~Psalm 46:1

One of the things these past few months have taught me is to re-train my eyes toward Jesus and toward heaven. The devil is at our heels... wanting to tear us apart, shatter our faith and keep us living in a perpetual state of misery and chaos. So we need to intentionally keep close to Jesus... to press into His love, His mercy, His grace and His peace. He IS our shelter, our protector, our healer. And He IS the reason that we have an eternity of peace-filled paradise to look forward to! Jason and Lindsay are already there... they're at home in heaven... and someday, we will be there too. Glory to God!

Here is an excerpt from one of Lindsay's journals. I love this!

"Nothing on earth matters in light of eternity. It is so easy to get caught up in the things of the world and forget what really matters. How amazing that we have forever to spend with Christ. The more we worship and spend our lives for Christ on earth the better we can serve Him in heaven. I sometimes think of myself as a pilgrim in a foreign land traveling through life. We are here temporarily."

Yes, indeed! So... what can we do in the meantime to make our lives count? How can we impact the world with the love of Christ? In what ways can we reach out and serve others with the love of Christ? Pray to Him and ask for His wisdom in how to do so. He gave every single one of us a purpose! Whether or not we fulfill that purpose is up to us. Seek God and you will find Him.

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." ~Deuteronomy 4:29

Jason and Lindsay did fulfill their God-given purpose in the short time they were here! They made their lives count! They impacted the world with the love of Christ and because of that, their story has changed countless lives forever and God has given them a beautiful legacy.

♥ ♥ ♥

Here is a sweet message from Jason's parents:

PSALM 30:5 - "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning."

This is such a great promise from our heavenly Father! God uses time to heal a broken heart. Memories become more precious and bring smiles to our faces. Purposes are unveiled, opening the door for comfort and peace to enter and abide. Acceptance puts the mind to rest. Strength comes from the Lord, and JOY does come in the morning. We can look forward to that!

Beloved Jason,

We are so thankful for the 26 years we had you with us, but the sting of your tragic departure is now gone. We no longer look back in sorrow to what was, we look forward, in great anticipation, to what will be. We will pick up where we left off with you and Lindsay. God has given us victory over death, and everlasting joy will prevail.

Love Everlasting,
Mom and Dad