Audrea Memorial Service

Good Afternoon, I have the privilege of sharing some closing thoughts and giving the Benediction to end today's service..

The word Benediction means blessing.. It is the giving and the receiving of the Grace of God... And it is on this note -- "Of Blessing and thanksgiving," that we are going to be concluding our service today.

The past several months have not been easy for Mark and Tammy, Andrew and Elena...(and the extended family) and together they have had to process the grief of loosing their daughter ,mother...and family member.. ...and there are still more challenges ahead with Andrew's recovery...

There is nothing in this world that could have prepare them for the suddenness of losing Audrea…

A number years ago Steven Curtis Chapman, well known Christian musician… lost their four year old daughter in a tragic car accident.. And Steven Curtis was asked, how they they were going to continue as a family..

He responded...

“I have learned that we can control where we allow things that we can't understand to fall.....

They either fall between us and God, and we can become angry. Or we can allow these things to fall outside of us and press us in closer to God.”

As you can imagine there have been many questions and tears shed...over the past months... But...

In the midst of heartache there have been "moments of Grace," where memories have flooded back and have reminded Mark and Tammy of Audrea's beauty of soul, her tenacity of spirit, her heart of compassion.. and they have received comfort from knowing the blessing that Audrea was to all...

It is fitting for us to celebrate Audrea's life.. because she leaves a legacy of Blessing...

Andrea and family attended Richvale Church. She always had a positive outlook on life, an engaging mind and radiant smile. When you spoke to Andrea you had her full attention…she always took genuine interest and showed real empathy for others...

Another Quality that Audrea possesed was persistent Faith

Her Faith reminded me of the parting words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy… Paul says..

2 Timothy 4:6–8 ESV

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

At the close of Paul's life he affirms that he was engaged in the only event worth of ones life... there was no wasted time or space..Every moment counted..In fact Paul tells us that He completed the course that God had Ordained for him…

There are a couples Parallels that I want to draw out from this text... Audrea lived her live with purpose and intention...

1. Audrea lived a Life of Purpose.

Paul the apostle said, that He had fought the good fight and finished the race...

One commentator

Kent Hughes picture the apostle Paul at the end of his life dressed in the armor of God.. that is found in Ephesians 6.. having the breast plate of righteousness, the belt of truth, shield of the spirit, the sword of the spirit.. shoes of the gospel of peace…

Audrea fought the good fight...

Audrea face all kinds of obstacles and barriers but she was always up to the challenge ... Being a single parent.. Working and supporting and family and being a student at William Jessup...

How did she manage that? She was dressed in the armor of God!!

2. Audrea had a Persistent Faith.

One of the treasures that Audra left behind was her Journal… And I know that Tammy has found comfort in her words… Her journal tells the story of her Faith.. Audrea had consistent devotional life… and she wrote out notes and prayers… She expressed her struggles… and her prayers are full of grace towards others..

Audrea set aside the heavy weights that held her back n and she focused on the prize... she ran the race set before her... "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of her faith"

Audrea can say with the apostle Paul says “I have finished the race and kept the faith.”

3. Audrea Persevered to the end.

The Westminster shorter Catechisms tells us.. that the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever...

Paul tells Timothy…what lay ahead for him.

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Paul's words reminds us that in the end... when it has all been said and done in this life… what really counts is eternal blessings and reward..

We take comfort this morning knowing that Audrea had real faith and real hope.. Her Faith was the Anchor that secured her during this life and it still holds in the the very presence of our Lord and Savior.

We hold on this morning to the promise that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and rewarder of those who love his appearing… It is into this rest and reward.. Jesus gave this promise in

John 11:25–26 ESV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

We are going to transition into a time of sharing... Starting with Mark and there will power point and then we would like to invite anyone that would like to share word of encouragement with the family.

(VIDEO)

(Time of sharing)

Benediction

May the strength of God sustain You; may the power of God preserve You ; may the hands of God comfort You; may the way of God direct you; may the love of God go with you this day now and forever. Amen.

Announcement

We are now going to have time of light refreshments...

And then later this afternoon we would like extend and invitation for you to join us for dinner at Richvale church... we be meeting in the Fellowship Hall @ 5pm..

(After Snacks)

Join me in closing Prayer

Father thank your for this opportunity to Celebrate our dearly loved one Audrea… I Pray that as we leave today… we will be encouraged… we will be more determined to live a life that counts for you and for eternity… thank you for the Hope that we can have in this life…

that you are with us now and forever Amen.. Amen..

You are dismissed.