Thank you for your prayers, the Memorial Service tonight was beautiful. Joey's life was celebrated, his family and friends were encouraged, he was introduced to those who have not met him, and most of all God was glorified.
I know there are many who came prepared to share about Joey but didn't get a chance because there was no "open mic" and the time for sharing was limited (otherwise we will be there until midnight or longer). I encourage you to write those "sharing" here in the comment section to encourage the Johnsons.
UPDATE: Slide Show posted in the "Remember Joey" post by Karen and Joe.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Memorial Service on Maui
Posted by Liza on Maui at 1:00 AM
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4 comments:
Joe, Karen, and family...
What an amazing beautiful service this afternoon! God was absolutely glorified!! Thank you so very much for sharing your hearts with us all. Joe and Karen you are with out a doubt the MOST amazing example of God's love of a husband and wife, father and mother, and as a friend! In everything said about your precious Joey it all leads back to his two amazing parents...you both! I know when your turn comes to meet with our Lord His first words will be "Well done good and faithful servants, well done!!" Words can not even begin to express the respect and admiration we have for you and your family...you are truly amazing! God works all things for the good for those who trust Him and He is already doing that. I know I was inspired today to be a better mother, sister, daughter, and friend....Joey's passing touched my life and so many others. Our love and prayers continue to go out to you all...we will pray without ceasing for you all! We love you so very much, Lori (and Wes)
Joe & Karen & Jo Anne & Jamie,
"It Is Well with My Soul"
by Horatio Spafford
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
God's Peace & Healing & Hope,
Love, Kevin & Shirley
Dear Karen and Joe,
How shocking and sad to hear of the passing of your precious son, Joey.
Your willingness to share Joey & yourselves with others, in Southern California, at Hope and in cyberspace has been amazing. I have gone to the website several times and while I didn’t really know Joey, I know love, and I see love all over this site, Joey’s love of life, Joey’s love of his family, Joey’s love of people, Joey’s love of the world and all that is in it, and Joey’s love of the Lord.
I also see the Lord’s love of Joey and the gifts he gave him, including his precious family who love him so much. I see the Lord’s love of Joey in his handsome, athletic body and intelligent mind. I see the Lord’s love of Joey in his obviously kind, loving and gracious heart that created so many friendships.
Once when I was leaving Maui for the mainland, I was wailing to my friend Charlie, that I would be so sad and miss so many who would also miss me, and he said in his wonderful dry way, “Imagine how sad it would be if you left and no one cared.’ This of course stunned me for its total lack of sympathy, and then cracked me up. I’ve thought of that comment occasionally and have grown to think it quite wise. And now I think, how wonderful that Joey lived a life where his leaving is not only missed but grieved by so many. What a wonderful testament to his upbringing. What a wonderful testament to how he lived his life. What a wonderful testament to His Lord.
Your heartache must be astounding. Unimaginable. Especially to those of us who are parents. I am so very, very sorry.
I pray that the Lord comforts you. I pray that He overflows your hearts and minds with the joys of being the precious people that He chose to be Joey’s parents. I pray He strengthens you both to lead your family through this difficult time. I pray that you find yourselves smiling and laughing and rejoicing at remembrances of your precious son. I pray that we all can live the kind of life that Joey did, a life filled with love.
Love and hugs,
Joanna Jeronimo
It was an amazing Memorial Service. I was supposed to be part of the worship team and share, but unfortunately was not feeling well and didn't get the opportunity. Thanks to Liza, I can do so here.
I'll take Izzy's cue from Papa D and Nana and say what my favorite memory of Joey is and what I loved about Joey.
My favorite thing was to play worship music with Joey on Joe's team. He was such an incredible musician and could play so many instruments. Sometimes he'd borrow my bass and made it sound better than it ever has with me playing it. It was so neat to see Joe & JJ play together and watch the way he encouraged Joe.
What I loved about Joey was the way he made you feel when he greeted you...like you were the most special person in the world. I loved that he really cared to know the answer when he asked how I was doing. I loved the way he loved and respected Joe & Karen and how special his family was to him. The dearest memory to my heart is the summer before Joey graduated college and he & Kevin came to Maui. I was living next to Joe & Karen and was going through a very difficult time. Joey didn't hesitate to ask me if I wanted to watch the sunset with them, or have dinner and listen to music. He was a prince of a guy and so very kind hearted. I felt as though God had sent me an angel.
I'm so thankful for the memories I have and will really miss him.
Thank you Joe & Karen for raising such an incredible young man.
All my love,
Jeri
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