Helen Nelson Funeral

Obituary - Ron

Scripture Reading - Ron

Prayer - Ron

Family Remarks  - Melanie,  Becky,  Vivian

Ron’s Remarks - Ron

Worship - Randy

Living Hope

I will Rise

I’ll Fly Away

Message - Shannon

Today we are gathered to remember a very special woman who loved her family, friends, and God. Helen Nelson was unique. Anyone who met her would tell you that she made an impression that was not easily forgotten. She was patient, loving, forgiving, kind, stubborn and full of life. One thing about Helen was that she spoke her mind. Not in a hard way, but in a practical and truthful way.

As I have recently spent time with her family, I couldn’t help but hear them say things like, “If mom were here, she would say...” or “Helen would have something to say about that...” or “Grandma would always tell me...”. It occurred to me that Helen always had something to say.

I can remember my last conversation with her. It was the Sunday before she passed. That Sunday, I preached a message about controlling our thoughts and focusing our attention on the things of God. I told her I hoped it didn’t come across as too harsh. She told me that “Sometimes we need to hear things we don’t want to hear.” She said, “There are some things that just need to be said.”

On the morning that Helen passed, I wrote myself a note about something I was feeling after leaving the hospital. I wrote, “what would Helen say?” in my journal, and I’ve gone back to that thought several times over the last month. It reminds me that life is short, and we need to say things that really matter.

Helen is no longer physically here with us to speak to today. She’s in the presence of the Lord. But the life she lived still speaks to us today. The life that she lived can remind us of the things that really matter.

I want to attempt to bring out a few things Helen has said in the past that might help you to remember what really matters in this life.

Here’s the first thing she might have said if she were here with us today:

What were you thinking?

One memory I was told of was a more recent memory. Dick and Helen were both stuck at home quarantining, and Pastor Ron thought it was a good idea to bring over a big ol’ chicken dinner. From what I’m told, he brought over enough fried chicken to feed everyone in this room; he brought massive sides of mashed potatoes, corn, bread, and all the fixings.

Well, Vivian, being the good friend and sister that she is decided she would also help out. She went to Sam’s and grabbed some groceries for Dick and Helen. Because they were quarantining, she just dropped the groceries off on the front porch. She called Helen to let her know they were out on the porch.

When Helen went out to grab the groceries, she noticed a rotisserie chicken. From what I’m told, She called Vivian to get right back over there and grab that chicken because they already had more than they knew what to do with.

Becky told me she could just picture her Grandma Helen on the porch with her hands on her hips saying, “What were you thinking?” to Vivian.

“What were you thinking?” is a good question. It reminds me of the scripture that Helen wanted to be read here today.

The scripture she wanted to be read tells us what God thinks of you! The scripture Helen chose for today is her way of speaking to you today. It’s her way of telling you what you should be thinking about in your life.

Isaiah 43:1–4 (NKJV)

1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

This scripture is a scripture of hope for all those who have trusted in the Lord. It reminds us that He created us, redeemed us, and called us by name. This scripture is a powerful reference to God’s love for His people. It promises that God is with us in our difficult times. Even when we walk through the fires of life, God is with us, and He will deliver us.

What would Helen say to us today? She might remind you to keep your thoughts on the goodness of God. She might tell you that even in your time of mourning, God is with you. You are precious in His sight. He loves you. He has not abandoned you in your hour of grief.

This scripture of hope has become a reality for Helen. As she passed from this life to the next, God was with her. He received her into His glorious presence. We can be thankful that she knew Him, and He knew her.

I’d imagine that she would want you to know the Lord how she knew the Lord. She would want this scripture to help you think about what is true. Right now, we are sad about the loss of Helen, but we can rejoice that God formed her, loved her, and redeemed her, and He will do the same for you.

Another thing that Helen might say today is...

Don’t take things for granted

Helen was 80 years old when she passed. If you think about it, 80 years might seem like a long time, but in reality, all of us would agree that we wish we had more time with Helen. 80 years just doesn’t seem long enough when it comes to losing the ones we love the most.

A few years back, it seemed as if Helen wasn’t going to survive a different medical issue. The doctors had given up hope, but they didn’t know Helen Nelson. If she wasn’t ready to go be with the Lord and He was willing to let her live, then nothing was going to stop her from getting better, and that’s exactly what she did! She got better! She beat the odds, and the last years of her life were really considered the bonus round; it was a time of blessing for her and those she loved.

On days like today, we are reminded that no matter how long you live, your life is short. We just don’t seem to have enough time here on this earth.

James 4:14 tells us that our lives can be compared to a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. I think that Helen knew that first hand. She lived life as though it was a gift from God.

One thing I was told that she would tell her family was that they needed to “get their act together!”. And you know what, that’s true, especially in light of the fact that no matter how long we live, it still seems short.

We don’t have time to live outside of God’s best for us. We need to live for Him.

We don’t have time to hold grudges against those we should love. Helen never gave up on people. She would say that “Hate will eat you up” and that “forgiveness is the most important thing we can give to another person.”

Truly, nothing matters more than our relationship with God and with other people. Isn’t that what Jesus taught?

Matthew 22:37–39

37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

38 This is the first and most important commandment.

39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.”

When Helen would tell her family to “Come Together” and that “Family is everything,” what she was saying was what Jesus said: Love matters most.

We all only have a short time on this earth. We aren’t promised tomorrow. We need to live a life like Helen; we need to live a life in love. Love your family, friends, and God more and more each day. You’ll never regret living a life full of love for other people. Yes, others will let you down, they will even hurt you, but if you love as Helen did, then you’ll give them another chance to get their act together.

I believe Helen would want you to get your act together today. Get right with God and get right with people.

The last thing I want to share this morning is something Helen said many times in her life.

She would always say...

I can do it!

One time Helen told her daughter Melanie that she needed to get something off the top shelf; well before Melanie could get it for her, Helen was at the top of a step stool, reaching for what she wanted. Melanie told her that she was going to get it for her, but Helen said, “I can do it!”.

That phrase was common in Helen’s life. She was a woman that could not be held back or told no. If she decided it was something she could do, then nothing was going to stop her.

Maybe she believed what the Bible said about what we can do through Christ.

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

You know, that’s really the secret to living a good life: To live a life through Christ. He is the one who can help you in the most difficult times in life. He is the one who gives strength to us when we are weak.

I believe Helen knew this truth. I believe she would tell you that you can do it.

You can make it through these difficult days. She would want you to put your trust in Christ as your Lord and allow Him to help you just as she allowed Him to help her each day.

One thing I was told by the family is that in Helen’s house, she posted scripture all of the place. On her mirrors, in cabinets, on the walls. I love that so much because even in her passing, she is telling us how we can make it in this life.

No wonder she said “I can do it” all the time. She knew God. She knew the truth of His Word. It was all over her home, and it was all over her heart.

We must be the same way. We must know God. We must know the truth of the Word. It must be written in our hearts.

It’s the only way you’re going to live this life without your dear Helen. You must follow her words and example and trust in the Lord.

Remember the scripture she wanted for today:

Isaiah 43:3

3 I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you.

He is the one who saves.

Today, I hope you are encouraged. Encouraged to know that Helen is with God. She is living in His presence from now until eternity.

I hope you can find peace with Christ today and with anyone else that you need to forgive. You can do it.

Honor Helen by remembering Her words and life. Let them guide you in the days to come. Let her example bring you peace with God so that you can experience the peace of God.

Song  - Randy

It is well

Closing Prayer - Shannon

Dear Heavenly Father. We do thank you for the life of Helen. We dearly love her, and we thank you that you love her too. Lord, we are reminded that you formed each and every person with a purpose in mind. You give life on earth for a season. I pray that you help us not to take our time for granted. Show us ways to connect more with you and people in love. Lord, please forgive our shortcomings. We surrender to you right now. Jesus, you are the only way for us to have eternal life. We trust in you to save our souls. We look forward to the day that we are reunited with Helen in your presence. We ask for strength in our mourning. Lord, please be with this family as they grieve. We look to you for help and peace. Amen.

I was told that One thing that Helen would always say before she hung up the phone was, “God Bless”.

So today, to end this service, I say the same to you; God Bless.