Postlude to Memorial Service
My sweet Jody loved God.
I can tell you that she loved Christ more than me - and that is a fine statement. If a man can find a woman that loves Christ more than anything else in life - he will be blessed.
My Jody was faithful to worship the Lord in private. The fruit of that devotion spilled into our home. It spilled into my life. It spilled into others and spilled into her art. She prayed fervently. She worshipped sweetly. She studied deeply. She gave generously. She loved me selflessly. She served God joyfully. Her heart was fixed on the One Who saved her soul. As a husband I can declare she was in every way the excellent wife.
I praise God for the sound of her unique alto voice - whether singing or speaking - and I was most blessed by her laughter. I love that she loved the eclectic - the unique - the strangely beautiful. I loved the fact that her music could evoke the Apostle Paul, Joni Mitchell, Mahalia Jackson, Darius Milhaud, Nik Kershaw - all at the same time!
I am grateful that God led Jody to compose. I could tell by a certain twinkle in her eye that she had something new to show me... what blessed times.
I can not miss this opportunity to express my appreciation to all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, helped us and sacrificially loved us over the last year. My words are terribly inadequate. Forgive me - all of you who I won't mention - May you all be blessed by God with mercies and joy unspeakable for your love and ministry. I know God will reward the seen and unseen for his glory and your benefit.
I must praise God for the gift of the gospel - that guarantees eternal life for those that put their trust in Yeshua, Who according to holy writ is the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Redeemer of all mankind. believing that -
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him"- we can be assured of heaven and be where Jody is - where there is fullness of joy, and pleasures forever in the presence of Holy God. My wife would desire that you pursue the holiness of God as never before. If you don't know the true God of the scriptures please write and ask me about Him - nothing would honor Jody more than that.
scott@bleachbrosmusic.comI must praise God for pastors John MacArthur, John Zimmer, Carey Hardy, Phil Johnson and all at Grace Community Church who guard the Truth. It is there we were taught how to pursue a vibrant marriage that would honor the Lord. We learned that if we took care of the depth of our spiritual life, God would take care of everything else. God blessed our marriage beyond measure. My gratitude overflows to God - for Grace Community Church.
I praise God for my family - Frankfurts, Karps, LaPoints, Russells, and Moreings. I trust we will all worship the Savior together one day.
I praise God for Eric and Lorey Persing and Spectrasonics. Thank you for the freedom to be solely focused on my Jody for the last 7 months.
I praise God for the Carrs, Redondos, Sniders, Armstrongs, Halls, both Brown families, Prechodkos - my dear musician friends - missionary friends - Oh how it pains me to leave this list incomplete - but I am humbled by, and so very grateful for you all.
Psa. 62:11-12 One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.
Thank you my Lord Jesus, for allowing me to be one flesh with such a godly, beautiful, talented treasure that was my bride, Judithe Joanne. To You be the glory, forever and ever, amen.
P.S. I share that God blessed Jody's gravside service and her memorial service in the most incredible ways. I am so humbled by what He has done - even painting the sky just for us. Both services were worship celebrations! My heart overflows. I also appreciate your prayers as I enter into this period of life without my precious one. The grace supplied to me is constantly sufficient. I am taking life one day at a time - God is faithful!
Here is a link to some photos and videos.
posted by Scott F. at 7:59 PM
7 Comments:
Scott:
Thank you for sharing your heart. Though I never really got a chance to get to know you guys that well, both yours and Jody's desire to worship Almighty God and lead others to do the same was quite infectious at times. I have learned much from just sitting and watching (for 15-20 minute sets at a time!). I shall take that with me as I seek to honor the Lord with the gifts that He has given me as well.
The service was beautiful and very special. I am glad I could attend. I had to leave after the video so I'm not sure if it was you talking or a recording, but just know I am praying for you. I know that you rejoice in Jody's home-going, but I also know that you miss Jody in ways I cannot fathom at this time.
Thank you for your faithfulness. To the Lord, to Jody, to Grace Community Church, to missions, to Mainstream, to... well, so many (including me). I am honored and blessed to have been in Mainstream with you.
For His Glory,
Rick Horio
Acts 20:24 - "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God."
Dear Scotty,
Thanks for posting some of your thoughts from the memorial on the site. It continues to bless and encourage me. We know that you are being bathed in the sufficient grace of God right now and trusting Him each moment. I treasure the times I had to pray and talk about God with Jody, and the vortex. It was a precious time and a gift from God to have such a trustworthy friend. I'm also once again grateful for the words of her songs that come to me in the night when I can't sleep. "I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come; The nearness of God is my good... and on and on. I know you are "fixing your eyes on Jesus" and that He will hear your cry, when your heart is overwhelmed and lead you to the rock that is higher...
Our love and prayers continue to be with you.
Thank you again for the privilege to serve and love your family.
Lots of love and hugs!!!
Andy, Pam, Emily, Kendall and Abby
Scotty,
The memorial service meant alot to us all. Our three kids were all touched by this celebration of worship. I hold you up in prayer often.
I love you brother
KEN
Brother Bill here. The service on Friday was indeed marvelous, and our visit Saturday to where Jody is laid to rest reminded me what a beautiful spot you chose. I'm at your service, dear Scott, as you know. Let's have dinner very soon! You know where I am! Meanwhile, you're in every one of my thoughts and prayers these days, and you will continue to be in them till we're all reunited with Jody.
God bless you!
Scotty,
The memorial service is something that I will forever remember and cherish in my heart. Thanks so much for your preparation and for focusing everything on Christ. It was such a celebration. I love you so much and my parents truly were honored to share this time with you. Let me know if I can ever serve you in any way, even if it means eating one of those ducky-poop bars with you!!:)
Love,
Susi Zimmer
Scott,
So much of it has been said already (which is a good thing because much of what I have in my heart for you is unable to find it's expression in words).
I love you. Thank you (and all those who helped you) for such a beautiful, thoughtful, and Christ honoring memorial service.
My family and I have been blessed (spiritually enriched) by God through you and Jody. Praise God!
While my heart rejoices for Jody and aches for you, I am excited to see in what new ways God will honor Christ through you in the coming days, months, and years.
My prayer is now is more intense than before, "Even now come Lord Jesus."
Philippians 1:19-26
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
In-Christ,
Nathaniel W.
Dearest Scotty,
"FOR THY NAME SAKE LEAD ME AND GUIDE ME, FOR THY NAME SAKE LEAD ME AND GUIDE ME LORD"
We are here in Marysville, but our hearts have been left back in Oakdale! We love you so much and now our prayer is that the God of all comfort will comfort your heart in a supernatual way that only He can acccomplish,no friend can bring that deep, everlasting, peace and comfort. In Christ alone, John and Helen
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