What happens when we die?

On Wednesday, our family celebrated the life of Wally's grandmother - Elda Brown. She was born May 24, 1924 and died December 28, 2009. She lived as God's servant for 85 years. The grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident in her home and in the workplace. Elda and her deceased husband, John, ran the Baptist clothing store for many years in Russell County. She took in her niece at the age of 13 and treated her as her own daughter. Bro Rick Neff, her pastor, said that Elda was a woman who didn't like short conversations; rather, she wanted to always sit and "talk" over a cup of coffee. Proverbs 31 was the main scriptural text spoken at her funeral.

At the conclusion of the funeral, Elliott, Alex (my nephew), Max and I walked up to the casket to say our final goodbyes. Max and I touched her hand and said "we love you 'little Ma'." As we left to go to the grave side, Max started crying and didn't stop for about 15 minutes. After he calmed down, he asked me, "What happens when we die? Do we immediately go to Heaven?" I explained to Max that I believe once we die, our spirit goes to live with Jesus. (John 19:30 - Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

The picture above was taken at the graveside. Randy Brown (Wally's youngest brother), Wallace Brown, Everett Brown (Wally's Father), Ricky Brown (Wally's oldest brother), Elliott, Max and Alex (Ricky's son).

Christmas 2009

Christmas was a blast this year! Max loved getting his bike from Santa. The whole family is enjoying the Wii. The grandparents gave the boys fun Wii games....Mario Kart and Wii Resorts. We spent Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family. I was very sad to learn that my grandmother couldn't spend Christmas Eve with us because she had a stomach virus.

We learned yesterday that Wally's grandmother passed away. She has been sick for some time. Elliott prayed a few nights ago that she would die so she wouldn't have to suffer. His prayer was a little strange to me but interesting as well. I know he understands that to be with the "Lord" is so much better than what we have here on earth. So, today we celebrate my birthday and the going "home" of Elda Brown.

LIVE WELL and LAUGH OFTEN!

Tonight we had friends over for dinner. We were reminded that to live well, we must laugh often. Wally and I told fun stories of our trip to Germany in 2005. I hope that you find time to laugh often. It is so good for the soul!

Merry Christmas Friends

Warmest Greetings from the Brown House!

During 2009 our family has grown both spiritually and physically. We are blessed beyond measure. Many celebrations took place at 1210 Quaker Court this year. Together, we enjoyed celebrating Elliott's baptism, Max's 5th birthday, Wally and Tomara's 12th wedding anniversary and Elliott's 10th birthday. We enjoyed our vacations to Panama City Beach and Lake Cumberland (where we met some new friends who tried to teach Elliott how to water ski.) Our annual trips to the state fair and the zoo were very fun as well. We love SCOTTY the elephant. Other news includes Max losing his front two teeth; Elliott scoring his personal best of 5 goals in one soccer game; Max experiencing the madness of the St. Matthews Little League Parade and Wally and Tomara experiencing God's goodness once again on their annual trip to Costa Rica.

With Max starting kindergarten this year, we are more and more aware of the things that are truly important....our Lord, our family, our relationships, our "togetherness," kindness, love and letting our light shine! We are eternally grateful that while we were (are) yet sinners; Christ died for us. We thank God for every one of you who are our friends and family! (Philippians 1:3)

Because of Jesus - who makes the sun to shine, the snow fall, the leave change color and our hearts joyful - Wally, Tomara, Elliott and Max