Monday, June 2, 2008

Jeannie De La Garza




Dear JANES,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our JANES, Jeannie De La Garza, passed away yesterday. Please keep this family in your prayers. Jeannie has been a blessing to many women through her words of encouragement in the Granola Bar Devotional . We've posted one of her devotionals so that you can be blessed by the precious words she left behind. I would also like to invite you to leave a comment below for Jeannie's family to let them know how much we love them. Feel free to share a memory of how Jeannie has blessed your life.

Love,
DeeDee


Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, June 5th
Seaside Memorial Funeral Home
12:00 PM



Devotional written by Jeannie De La Garza.



One Step at a Time



My grandson Richard is a vivacious child who brings so much joy into our lives. I think back to a few years ago when he was about three years old and spending the night at my house. I was finishing my evening by straightening the house, and the last thing on my list was to take the trash out. I told Richard he could stand inside the doorway of our den and wait for me while I took out the trash. I explained that I would be right back. I will never forget the horrified look on his little face; he looked like he was about to cry. I asked him to come with me, but he wouldn’t. It had just gotten dark outside, and I had some little stepping stones that led a trail to the trash barrel. I knew I had to get Richard to trust me; so I told him that once I stepped on a stone, I would then tell him when to take his step. We finally started out down the path, and he put his hand into mine. I told him I would never let anything happen to him. Instantly, his little hand relaxed; and although he was still worried, he wasn't terrified. We took one stone at a time until we got to our destination. I tossed the bag into the trash can, swung Richard into my arms and headed back to the safety of house. I was so humbled by his trust in me. Sometime later, I found out in a conversation with Richard that the reason he was so worried was because he was afraid that a "ninja" was going to get me. He had been watching his Uncle's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Richard’s trust in me reminds me of how Jesus wants us to trust Him – like little children. Jesus has never failed me. I want to always trust Him in every area of my life. He alone is worthy of my ultimate faith, whether I can see my next step or not. There have been seasons in my life when I couldn't see the next stepping-stone on my path; but as long as I hold Jesus’ hand, I know I am safe. The longer I know Him, the more assured I am that I can trust Him every step of the way.

Memory Verse:
"We live by faith, not by sight."
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:
"Father, I thank You that You are always with me. Please always remind me that I can trust You in every season of my life. Right now tell me what I need to hand over to You in complete faith, including . . . "

Contributor:
Jeannie De La Garza

6 comments:

DA Wagners said...

Jeannie has been an inspiration in my life. She helped me when I was having difficulty balancing being a mom and doing ministry for God. Her words freed me and showed me that being a wife and a mother is the most important ministry of my life.

Also, she has prayed for me even when I didn't ask for it. She encouraged me so much because I really needed prayer at that time, but I wouldn't let anyone know. Jeannie was so in-tuned to my heart and to God's movement. She prayed for me by faith and gave me so much comfort in Him.

She was a selfless Christian women, and she touched the lives of so many of us. I am so BLESSED that I was able to be mentored by her. She has been a godly influence in my life, and I carry her love with me always.

I pray that the glory of God in Jeannie's life pours out on us all.



alisa

Eve said...

I'm saddened by the loss of such a sweet Christian woman. May God comfort her dear family with precious memories and know that Jeannie left a mark of faith and love in this world.

DeeDee said...

Sweet Family, I am praying for you all. Jeannie was such a blessing to all of us and her words were always full of encouragement. Her sweet smile and gracious hospitality will be missed terribly. She never failed to make others feel welcome in her presence. We will be praying for God to pour out His strength, love and compassion during this very difficult time in your lives.

Anonymous said...

My name is Rebecca Davila, I am not a member of Bay Area I go to First Baptist Church in Kingville TX, However I have many girlfriends who are members of Bay area and I receive your e-mail.
I didn't get to meet such a wonderful Christian Woman, however we all know she is in the Hands of our Great Maker and God is So Good!
I pray that her family and friends be comforted during this difficult time. I also lost my mother in the blink of an eye, but God has them is such a better place. We grieve and cry for our loss. May God give each and everyone of you Peace and Guidence thru these most difficult times. In His Loving Care.
Becky

Elizabeth said...

I met Jeannie once about a month ago. She spoke of her grandchildren with love and excitement. She was sweet, loving and made me feel comfortable even though it was my first time there. I could tell she loved her family but most of all she loved Jesus. She made herself available to the Lord. I was shocked to read that Jeannie went home. I pray for her family who grieve for her.

Canadian Bird said...

Jeannie was one of the warmest, most generous, gracious women I've ever come to know. She was such an encouragement to me over the time I've known her, which was not near long enough. She always put a smile on my face & was ready with a kind word & a hug.
Having been to her beautiful home, anyone could see the most important things in her life were her family & the Lord. And though we grieve the loss of her sweet presence, He is rejoicing WITH her in her faithfulness even now.
To Jeannie's family... my deepest condolences to you all. I pray for God to shower you with His love, peace & strength as you grieve the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother. Bless you.