Doorways Cut in Sod

I once scorned every fearful thought of death, 

When it was but the end of pulse and breath, 

But now my eyes have seen that past the pain

There is a world that's waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart, 

For living's such a temporary art. 

And dying is but getting dressed for God, 

Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod. 

Calvin Miller

I wrote an obituary today for the first time.  I am posting it below.  In the meantime, please pray for us tomorrow.  And, please pray that the service would clearly reflect the beauty of Jesus as seen through the life of our precious little guy. 

If you're local, we would love to see you tomorrow (even if we've never met).  Again, thanks so much for all of the support. 

On August 15th, 2011, God blessed this world with the gift of Jude Matthew Pelton.  He stayed with us for only 67 days, but his short little life touched so many.  On October 21, 2011, he left our arms to be held by the One whom he was created for:  Jesus.

When we learned that Jude had Down Syndrome and a heart defect, we knew that God would use his life for His good purposes in this world.  While we never could have imagined that his life with us would be so short, we received our baby as a gift.  Little did we know how precious that gift would become.  He has changed us forever.  He has taught us what it means to love, what it means to live, and what it means to hope in Jesus. 

It is our prayer that our baby's life point others to the One who created him.  Only through Him can we have this hope.  Only through Him can we have peace in our sufferings.  And, only through Him do we get to spend eternity with our sweet, sweet Jude. 

Jude was intensely loved and cherished by his family:  Daddy and Mommy, Brandon and Mandy Pelton;  Big Brother, Caleb;  Grandma and Grandpa, Barb and Greg Cross;  Mamie and Bumpa, Hope and Barry Pelton; as well as many wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.

If you would like to join us as we celebrate his sweet life, the service will be held Saturday, October 29th at 3pm at University Presbyterian Church, with the burial taking place at a later date in Mooreland, Indiana.  In light of Psalm 67, a memorial fund will be set up to help others know the wonderful name of Jesus.  Checks can be made out to and sent to First Evangelical Free Church, PO Box 1835, Las Cruces, NM 88004.  Please write "Jude's Memorial" on the memo line.  Thank you.