Jack and Diane

In all of our lives we have seen the hand of God at work in many ways. Over the past several months I was afforded the opportunity to be part of the final chapter in Diane Hart's life. She is gone, but not forgotten. She is in heaven, and her faith and last days will be told to her grandchildren, their grandchildren and theirs.
As people gathered to pay their last respects the song that began the service was 'Jack and Diane.' There were no lyrics, just the instrumental. As the video of pictures ran above you could see the true love that Jack and Diane had for each other and their family. It was a blessing to se Diane healthy and full of life. Mixed within these pictures were also pictures of her frail body at the end of her battle with cancer. Pictures of family and also a picture of Diane holding her first grandchild, born a couple months ago.
Judy and I met the Hart's over 25 years ago at the church we were attending. We had only ran in to them on several occassions over those past 25 years. A couple of years ago I became a board member of the 'Christian Outreach Foundation.' It was there that God had me meet Liz Hart. After several meetings I asked Liz "Do you know Jack and Diane Hart?" She replied "Yes, they are my parents." As we have all done I asked her to tell them hello. Last year when I asked Liz how her parents were doing she told me about her mom's battle with cancer. I told her to let her parents know that we are prayng for them and if they ever needed anything to just let us know. Liz emailed me about four months ago and asked me if we could go see her mom. She said she was not doing and that she was also concerned about her dad.
Judy called Diane and we went to meet with her and Jack. It was as if we had never been apart. Judy shared wth Diane that she never has forgotten that 24 years ago when Judy went into treatment, Diane was the only one at church that came up and said anything to her. Diane came right up to her and said "I am so proud of you for getting help." It wasn't easy for Judy to go back to to church prior to Diane's comment because of the possible shame that being in a treatment center could bring. There were over 700 members that attended, but Diane was the only one who reached out to her in her time of need.
I was amazed at Diane and Jack. This battle with cancer had been grueling and had taken its toll on Diane, and Jack. There was no cure for the cancer she had, and there was nothing medically they could do anymore. Diane shared about MD Anderson and how she was humbled because there were so many people there that were worse off than her. As she sat there and shared you could see the 'Peace that surpasses all understanding' was upon her.
In the last month we also saw the power and strength of the Lord displayed in her life. In her frailty, she came to QTM. She gave her resources to QTM to help share Christmas with 64 kids. She was able to celebrate and hold her first grandchild. Diane was able to share her last Christmas with her family. Liz said "It was amazing seeing her experessions as she opened her presents. She was a like a little child!" Zach shared that she wanted to "Walk the dog around the block on Christmas day (which she had not been able to do, or even wanted to do for a long time). So they loaded Diane up in her wheel chair, and around the block they went. Liz and Amy spent the final days laying with Diane in bed giving her 'Kisses' on her cheek because she loved it. Diane's mom said in the final days she leaned over and told Diane "Jesus is with us Diane", and Daine winked at her. God gave Diane the strength to have 'Special' moments with her family before He took her home.
The Lord lead me to two scriptures to share with those at her funeral, Psalm 121, and 2 Timothy 4:6-8. I personalized Psalm 121 for Diane, and we all need to do the same with scripture:
Psalm121
Diane lifted her eyes to the hills-where did Diane's help come from? Diane's help came from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He did not let Diane's Diane's foot slip-He who watched over Diane did not slumber; indeed, He who watched over Daine neither slmbered nor slept. The Lord watched over Diane- the Lord was Daines shade at her right hand; the sun did not harm Diane by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord kept Diane from all harm-the Lord watched over Diane's coming and going both now and forermore~
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."

I am going to close this blog with a few questions. Are you in the race? Will you fininsh strong? Will God receive the glory for His power and strength being displayed in you until the end? Diane did.............