This week we are missing Papa(!) We miss him for so many reasons – not just our daily interactions & the spiritual guidance he doled out regularly, but the way he wrote his love on our hearts by his effervescent presence in our lives. On Sunday, March 8th, it will be one year since he passed into the Everlasting Arms of God…
We know that he is now pain-free for all eternity after valiantly bearing the cross of suffering from a debilitating illness that made him a bedfast quadriplegic for many years. Yet he continued to give his all for God each day in every way, ministering to others even until his last few hours with us.
Today the words from the famous hymn, ‘Be Still My Soul’ (one of Papa favorites) touched my heart. May they touch yours on this Lenten Wednesday, too…
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
(Katharina von Schlegel, 1697-1768)
grace, peace & still waves
Virginia
p.s. if you want to hear a great version of this song arranged by Paul Schwartz on one of his State of Grace compilations, click here for a YouTube listen…
Roses in the Rubble 
Aww … I miss him, too!! Great hymn. Here is another wonderful rendition sung by a former American Idol finalist … http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/articles/be-still-my-soul-david-archuleta?lang=eng
Thank you Cin! what an amazing impromptu performance of David Archuleta ;;& what an amazing voice! & to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! wow. Big thanks for sharing. Mama & I also like the version done by “The Priests” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb3gYLPIHeo
grace, peace & inspiring hymns – gL
Peace, hope, and prayers for you and your family this weekend.
Thank you Sharron. I didn’t know it would be this hard. Papa had such a full life! So much of it was ‘gift’ when docs said he wouldn’t make 65 – then 70 — he was 83 last year when he passed. But God is merciful & gracious …Papa’s love continues to yield a harvest of joy in our minds & warm fuzzies in our hearts…We appreciate your prayers!!
grace, peace & hope – Virginia
What a beautiful tribute to your “Papa”. He was one of a kind and very much loved. Praying for your family this week and always.
Thank you, Grace, for remembering Papa & your prayers. A WCChapel friend visited today & was blessed to see Mama doing so well. We told him it’s because so many of you are praying (Mama said ‘amen’ to that!) We are grateful – as we know the power of prayer is what helped keep Daddy keeping on for so many years (& his care-giving team!) Big blessings to you & your wonderful family! —
grace, peace & prayer(s) — Virginia : )
Very much his care-giving team! What powerful witnesses you are. I miss him very much. There were so many conversations I wanted to have with him. His ministry was so productive, particularly so in recent years. Those conversations will have to wait. Praying for the Woodwars this weekend. God bless!
Virginia, Love and prayers for you and your whole family. We were hoping to visit this past week, and Laura is connecting with Shere about a good time to visit with Abby. I miss your Dad SO much… Laura and I are grateful for his love, wisdom, humor, compassion, hopefulness… and all the ways God shined through Him. We’re thankful for God’s continuing work through his life… through ICM, MiniBible, his pastoring, mentoring, friendships, and through your family! Many thanks to your whole family, especially you and Dwight, for your sacrificial love and care for your Mom and Dad. It’s also exciting to see how God is using you all. Thank you for sharing the voice, perspective, and passion God is giving you.
We love and appreciate y’all more than words can express!
Josh, Laura & Abby
Josh — thank you thank you thank you — for the love of Jesus you have shared with us in SO MANY WAYS. We are grateful to God for the gift of your friendship & fellowship (as Papa would say, ‘two fellows in the same ship” — rowing!!) Thanx for rowing so hard with us & keeping us afloat during Papa’s rigorous care-giving gig. Biggest hugs to you & Laura & Abby Mae (& the new little one OTW)
grace, peace & LOVE — Virginia : )
John – Thank you Thank you Thank you for your faithfulness & friendship with Papa — & encouragement that really lifted his spirits (especially with his blog & computer & way cool monitor & all the help you gave him!) We are grateful, so very grateful… I will never forget you turning up on the doorstep in the snow last Feb with those audio CDs that helped Papa take his mind off the pain when he was marooned in the back bedroom – they were such a big help!
love to you & Marion — grace, peace & appreciation — Virginia : )