Note from the blogger: this post is a work in progress... new photos and sharing will be added here until Joey's birthday so check back. Thanks.
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During the Memorial Service for Joey at Hope Chapel, Kathy Englert talked about the "Circle of Love" in Joey's life. If we look at the picture of her on the left, you will notice that she's holding a paper plate. That's where she wrote her notes for that sharing. She said it reminds her of the many circles of love that Joey has in his life here on earth.When Joey was born, he was surrounded by people who lov
es Karen and Joe. They all fell in love with Joey the first time he came out of Karen's womb (actually even before that). It's a circle of love so special. Maybe someday we can watch together that DVD that Kay and Roger send the Johnsons. I believe that's the circle of love in Joey's infant and childhood days.As Joey grew up, aside from the circle of love within his family, he's always blessed with the circle of love of friends. There's Kevin, his best friend. There's Kevin's family - all of them are like family to Joey.
When they moved to Maui, he once again had circle of love through the Hope Chapel family. There's the Youth Group where he formed many friendships. Also, at Baldwin High School - he's surrounded with friends who loved him.
Move to CA for college and once again circled by friends there (I will elaborate on this later).
After college, he became "an adult" :) - had to work for a living and even there there's a circle of love which surrounds him (will elaborate more later too).
When we got the news about Joey's passing, a circle of love came rushing to Joe and Karen's house; and we know that a circle of love were at LA the same time. Melissa was there with Joey and all their friends. Rachel was there with him.
I will come back and add more to this post and will add some photos. Feel free to leave a comment even if this post is half done :)
Dear Johnsons family - we are thinking of you today. Joey's birthday is coming soon and we know that is going to be a hard and difficult day for you. We're here to wrap our arms around you and once again surround you with that circle of love that you and Joey always have...
3 comments:
Romans 15: 4-6(TLB)
"These things that were written in the scriptures so long ago are to teach us patience and to encourage us, so that we will look foreward expectantly to the time when God will conquer sin and death. May God, who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other. And then all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!"
Romans 15:4-6 (KJV)
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may, with one mind AND one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Dearest Verse-Giver...that one really touched me. The Lord has been impressing upon me that my job now is patience, as I wait till we are all united again and in the presence of the Lord. He gives me comfort and consolation as I pull into His presence.
Thank you once again for the perfect verse for the moment. These have helped us so much.
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus".
Phil 1:6
Karen and Joe,
We know that God is working a new thing into your lives, He is going to be able to use you now in so many different ways that were not possible before. I know this isn't something you wanted but the Lord is faithful and He loves you so much!!! But you must wait on the Lord, be patient, God isn't done with you yet.
Isa 40:28-31
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to Karen and Joe, and to Karen and Joe, who lacks might, He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, YET Karen and Joe, as you wait upon the Lord, you WILL gain strength, you WILL mount up with wings like eagles, you WILL run and not get tired, you WILL walk and not weary.
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously ;look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand"
Wait, wait on the Lord.
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