A New and Glorious Morn

I know I promised more details on my engagement/wedding plans and I promise, I will share....

BUT, first I want to spend the next few days telling you about a really great guy who we lost on Christmas day.  So the next few days are dedicated to that.  This is Chris, a really great guy and a loyal friend and probably the best auburn fan I knew.  We took this picture the night before the National Championship game at a basketball game in Arizona.

I have a lot more to tell you about Chris, but the first thing I want to say is "Chris is not in the box" (a phrase stolen from my father)  Chris's earthly body may be buried soon, but he is in heaven with our Lord today.  His last words on facebook were:

"Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices;
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

Chris spent Christmas with Jesus, so as sad as I am for his family and friends, I am happy for him.  My friend Paige pointed out the difference between mourning among Christians and those that are not.  I know I will see Chris again and I find comfort in the fact that I have no doubt that He loved and served our Lord.
Tomorrow I will tell you all about Chris, but today I just wanted to tell you, don't be too sad for him, he had a wonderful Christmas day!

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,

who thee by faith before the world confessed,

thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,

fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,

and win with them the victor's crown of gold.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,

steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,

through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:

Alleluia, Alleluia!