Please pray for my family.

My dad just called this morning with the news that my Grandfather (Farfar-his Swedish name and what all of us kids called him) is now with the Lord. He has been fighting Alzheimers disease now for some time, and we are grateful that he is suffering no more and that He is face to face with the Lord he knows and can recognize! Please be praying for my dad and grandmother (Farmor) especially...but for all of us really, as we grieve the loss of a husband, a dad, grandfather, and a great-grandfather. Farfar was a wonderful man who loved the Lord and his faith has inspired countless people...he was a gentle man who worked hard his whole life and was always thinking of others. I spent many weeks of my summers as a little girl with him outside in Door County...countless walks on the beach (often with me on his shoulders) countless parades, wheelbarrow rides, and I always loved watching him grill for so many July 4th celebrations...my Dad's birthday...he was always patient with the million and one questions I had, and he faithfully got the motor to work (even after 87 pulls) on the boat when we wanted a boat ride. This man was a rock in my life...and a joy to be with, and I could never have asked for a more loving grandfather.
I am so thankful that he was able to meet and spend time with Jonas...Jonas Erik-Farfar's name was Eric David-and, as you can see, those names are very popular in my family:), and for good reason...Farfar was a patriarch that we all loved and trusted. I miss him so much, but all these tears are really tears of joy as I know that he now rests safe and comfortably in the arms of his Great and Faithful Savior.

Here is his favorite hymn...and one that pretty much summarizes the song of his life: (Just three weeks ago I got to sit beside him, hold his hand, and look into his eyes and sing this song...and it now is more special to me than ever)

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23