Saturday, October 29, 2011

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. 

9 comments:

Chris & Kathryn Curtis said...

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family today. Jude will be watching you today. And he'll know he's got the best parents and best brother around.

Sarah said...

We are with you today in spirit. We are celebrating Judes life with you. We have so many friends and family praying for you and there are so many stories of how Judes life and your faith has changed theirs and pointed them to Jesus. Perhaps I will share more of those with you at a later time. Lifting you up.
Jason, Sarah & Ella

Unknown said...

Hey Mandy, I have been meaning to write you for a week now. I am truly sorry for your loss. As a mama, I can't imagine the pain your heart must feel. I am encouraged by your faith. You and Brandon have shown such courage that is beyond our understanding...truly from the Lord. He gifted you with such a sweet gift for such a short time. How blessed you are to have held such a pudgy angel. Kissed those round toes and sang in those tiny ears. You laid him at the foot of the cross and God welcomed him home. What a privilege it is to walk beside your family in this Faith & Hope we have in Christ. My kids don't understand what happened to Jude, so we continue to pray for him before bed. It is a reminder for me to know that they are only ours for a short time....on loan. I hope today you feel peace and love from not only the Father but from your family and friends around the world. Feel honored that God gave you Jude as a son who in his short time on earth made a profound impact to those who heard his name. We will never forget your peanut and the sacrifice that you and Brandon have made for Christ. We love you guys!-kel

russ said...

..... And the greatest of these is love..Judes purpose I am sure was to express Gods love for us in the short time we spend here on earth,I am thankful beyond words for that message he brought.My prayers are with you today , let His infinite love wash over you and Bless you with his grace and mercy.

Bethany said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bethany said...

We wish we lived closer so that we could be there for Jude's service today. We are praying for you! God has already used Jude's life to touched so many... may his life continue to be used today to bring others to the loving arms of our Father!

Abigail said...

We are with your family in spirit today as you celebrate Jude's time spent with you here on earth and look foward to the time you will have with him in Eternity. We send our love and prayers!

Laura Dexter-Mooty said...

Even though precious Jude is not with you in body (he will be forever in your heart) and has joined others we all know in heaven - your son is now with the One Who ransomed all who will receive Him. Honestly - it really doesn't get any better. You are such a bright light - God will surely use you...even more than He already has. You are prayed for and loved deeply. My heart and prayers have been with you a long time - but especially today. Hang on to Jesus - He more than holds us up! Love you much...

Anonymous said...

Mandy, my heart hurts for you right now. Jude's short life has pointed so many people to Jesus--I know you are proud of him. ;) I am thanking God for his life and pray that the hope of heaven comforts you and Brandon and Caleb right now. God is working in mighty ways through your family, and I am continuing to lift you up in prayer. <3

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