Home To Be With the Lord

My Parents' 50th Anniversary Picture

My Mother, Ellen Pauley, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday after suffering a long illness. Her health has been poor for years, and in recent months she has been under hospice care.

The large crowd who turned out for the visitation last night was a testament to how many lives she touched through church, family, community, and work.

Just some thoughts as we prepare for her funeral this morning:

My earliest memories are of my parents being involved in lay ministry in our church. Their faithfulness in teaching Sunday school classes, teen-agers, and children are largely what the Lord used to lead me into Christian ministry. They never merely taught a class or led a Bible club. My mother poured her life into the teens or children with whom she worked.

My father has been the greatest example of one who “loved his wife as Christ loved the church”. His full-time job over the last several years has been caring for mom and her needs. Only that I might live up to his example as I seek to care for and serve my own family.

Please keep my father, Dan Pauley in your prayers during the coming weeks. Pray for our children, Josh and Rachel, as they will miss their Grandma greatly.