Thanks to Heather @ Desperately Seeking Sanity, I am posting another Thankful Thursday list.

Today has been a long day but a good day. We went to a funeral this afternoon to celebrate the life of Bertha Mae Jones. She was our church’s “Amen Lady.”  I am most thankful today that God gave us about 3 years with Bertha Mae — to get to know her, talk to her, and love on her. I am so thrilled she has passed on because I know she’s with her Jesus and her Ned (her beloved husband). So here’s my list

• I’m thankful for when Howard and I joined our church, Bertha Mae came through the receiving line. She welcomed each of us into the family, hugged our necks tight and said “I’m going to pray for you. I want you to pray for me. That’s what we do here in our family.”
• I’m thankful for a wonderful husband who saw the joy in Bertha Mae’s eyes when she sang songs for Jesus — thankful he took his time and his guitar and went to hang out with her. I’m also thankful he convinced her to sing with him in front of the church a couple of times.
• I’m thankful for the wonderful warm smile and big hug Bertha Mae always had for me whenever I was near her.
• I’m thankful for the love she had for Jesus — her witness and the way she presented herself the same to everyone. She always said what was on her heart and mind — and that always had something to do with Jesus or Ned.
• I’m thankful I went with Howard to visit Bertha Mae in the hospital. We both went into the hospital room expecting to brighten Bertha Mae’s day — to visit and pray with her. When we were leaving, Howard asked her if we could pray (meaning he wanted to pray for her). She took our hands and proceeded to pray for us! I cannot tell you how much that blessed my heart!

We only had a short while with Bertha Mae here on earth, but I know she’s still going to be dancing, singing and praising God when we get to heaven Thanks Bertha Mae!! We’re going to miss you down here but only for a bit. We’re coming right behind you!