Today was a difficult day

Not with the girls, but still grasping with the idea that one of the leaders from my church in Florida, Bill, passed away this morning.  We attended this church when I was a senior in high school.   My sister and I led worship one summer with Bill.  I then left for college and my family left the church as it was very difficult at the time to get plugged in.  We came back to the church in 2013 on invitation from a friend of ours.  It was like going back home and people were so happy to have us back.  I remember when Bill first looked at my family and I, it was like They’re Back, They’re Back-even Larry, the minister, said Welcome Home!

We attended a church in the area, which became so large that the band-was merely a band, not worshiping-but being rock stars.  When I volunteered in the hospitality part of this church, I would say good morning and they wouldn’t even talk to me–seriously?!

But being back home in this church, hearing and seeing Bill lead worship was wonderful.  He was honest, humble, talented, and pure.  He had no problem saying how his week and life were messed up, but he could always come back to the Lord and talk to Him.  How humble is that?  When he led worship, you could feel the Holy Spirit everywhere.  It was so calm and peaceful.  The feeling of yes Lord I know I have messed up, but please work on me.

We got to talk to Bill and his wife, Ardene, more while being back.  Ardene is a sweetheart!  She is a chef/owner of a local restaurant in the area.  We would talk about food, life, and yes work.

When we took our adventure and moved to Massachusetts the part of looking for a church was upon us.  We attended for a while up here and when songs were sung from Florida, I was reminded of Bill and how he led them.    When the song “Oh Happy Day” was being sung I was reminded of how Bill got into it on his guitar and the congregation would start clapping.  Then, the songs of worship when they were sung I again was reminded of Bill and how I missed his worship leading.

My mom told me that Bill had past away today and I am still in shock.  I sent a Facebook message to Ardene today and sent a text to their granddaughter, who absolutely loves Isabelle.  She said this about her grandmother “She’s really having a hard time but she amazes me with her strength to keep pushing on…”

Bill, I just can picture that you are making music with the angels in Heaven and that your pain is gone.

I just have this song in my head

“I Will Rise”

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise