First, THANK YOU for all your prayers, encouragement, emails...and even cards and flowers - such a blessing. It means a lot that as we miss Payton we know you remember her too. Honestly I was really surprised at how many people remembered today was her birthday. Thank you.
Aaron and I took the day off work and wanted to be intentional with how we spent it. 2 things happened today that seemed appropriate - the hospital helicopter flew right overhead this morning as Aaron and I walked around our neighborhood, and we got a small pile of mail from our insurance company still processing things from Mayo. There were times this summer and fall we got 25 envelopes in a day. Anyway, Aaron and I took a walk this morning, spent a little time in the Word together - one of the passages we read was Psalm 33. Cory and Cindy came over. We got 4 pink balloons and went to the cemetery and released them. Her tree has leaves and what looks like the start of blossoms. I keep hoping it'll bloom. And related to the Flowering Thunderchild Tree, a friend looked up the meaning of Payton and said it mean warrior camp, which is more than I found when we decided to name her Payton. I just found that it meant settlement. But she definitely had as much fight in her as a warrior camp. We had a good time with Cory and Cindy here. And we grilled brats for dinner - always a sign that spring is here and summer is coming.
So thanks for thinking of us today and celebrating Payton's life with us. She was definitely a gift that was so precious and deeply missed. Much love, the Joneses
6 comments:
I am so thankful that you had such a special day on Payton's birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing you at May Daze - praying and loving you - Jen
Heather & Aaron,
I've been praying for you both this week, mostly for the house closing, but also b/c I knew Payton's birthday was sometime this week (couldn't remember the exact date, though, unfortunately). What a blessing to spend the day with each other and with family who also loved and knew Payton. Our prayers are still with you!
Love,
Karen & Brian Johnston
Hi Aaron and Heather,
Your comments aboutt Paytons birthday have stirred up so many emotions-been crying all morning. She truly was a mighty warrior. Last May I can remember waling by the hospital many times and hearing God say to me that Payton was going to be a mighty warrior for the kingdom! I took that to mean that He was going to heal her and it gave me much hope. I believed He was going to heal her on this side of eternity. He did heal her and she is now great in the kingdom of heaven. All of this certainly crystalizes my resolve to work not for the bread of this life but to focus on Jesus.
Heather, in reading the book about the pastor who spent 90 minutes in heaven gave me great hope of what it might be like-and I cant wait. I have a picture in my office that a lady drew for me-its a picture of Jesus and a small child that LOOKS incredibly like Payton. Yes, we are here for now but someday...
Love,
Dad
Heather,
Thanks for describing your day for us. I bet many were like me, thinking of you two and praying for you throughout the day - so thanks for giving us a peek into how you spent the day honoring God for the gift of Payton. Life is a vapor... but life (like Payton has) with Jesus is so REAL!
xoxo,
joy
you guys, Words can not express how thankful I am for your walk of faith. Thanks for sharing with us how the Lord made her birhtday so special! We were thinking and praying for you from this side of the globe. :) Your house is beautiful!!!
much love, Tammy
Heather & Aaron,
Pryaing that you are doing well and finishing the school year strong, especially with moving into the new place. Let us know if you need anything from us!
We love you!
Karen & Brian Johnston
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