Casting Crowns

Sure will, Shane. God bless you, brother.

 

Shane,

I'm praying for you too. I posted way earlier on this thread, on the 1st page, but came back tonight to check on how the conversation has gone.

I dont know you at all and yet when I read you post it hurt me in my heart.

My God be with you and your family, and her family during this time.

You will see her again brother. You can count on it. This is just a temporary seperation.

Grace and peace to you,

Mike

 

Well, today is the proverbial "day after". I wish I could say I was all "praise you in this storm"...but that would be a lie. This is the most hurt I have ever felt in my 43 years on this earth. I buried my brother 3 weeks ago, that was nothing in comparison. On the bright side, Mark did a magnificent job on "Praise you in this Storm"...but he had to follow my son Micah who sang "Only Hope" which I believe to be a Caedmon's Call song. There is only one way a 19 yr. old can sing at his own mother's funeral without so much as a hiccup...The Grace of God! Someone else sung "It is Well" and he did a wonderful job also. In Mark's own words "the service honored Tonya's life and brought Glory to God!" I was told there were 7 or more people who raised their hands when asked if they had prayed the sinner's prayer for forgiveness. If that is true, this was all worth it...but it still hurts real bad. Thanks for all of your prayers during this past week. I love you guys/gals. It's good to have "unknown" brothers and sisters in Christ that you can ask to pray for you, and know that they will...and that they will be heard! Love, Shane Usry
http://www.legacy.com/Guestbook.asp?PersonID=17313739

 

Well, today is the proverbial "day after". I wish I could say I was all "praise you in this storm"...but that would be a lie. This is the most hurt I have ever felt in my 43 years on this earth. I buried my brother 3 weeks ago, that was nothing in comparison. On the bright side, Mark did a magnificent job on "Praise you in this Storm"...but he had to follow my son Micah who sang "Only Hope" which I believe to be a Caedmon's Call song. There is only one way a 19 yr. old can sing at his own mother's funeral without so much as a hiccup...The Grace of God! Someone else sung "It is Well" and he did a wonderful job also. In Mark's own words "the service honored Tonya's life and brought Glory to God!" I was told there were 7 or more people who raised their hands when asked if they had prayed the sinner's prayer for forgiveness. If that is true, this was all worth it...but it still hurts real bad. Thanks for all of your prayers during this past week. I love you guys/gals. It's good to have "unknown" brothers and sisters in Christ that you can ask to pray for you, and know that they will...and that they will be heard! Love, Shane Usry
http://www.legacy.com/Guestbook.asp?PersonID=17313739

 

I have no idea how that posted twice.

 

Shane, I'm so sorry. I would give anything if only there was something I could do to ease your pain.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Shane and for Tonya and for the opportunities you gave her to touch so many lives.

Thank You that You not only made a way for Tonya to be saved, but also a way for Shane and Micah and their family to know that Tonya is in that place You went to prepare for her, that death is not the end for Your children, but the doorway that leads home.

We know that all of the pretty words we can offer won't ease their pain, but we know that You can and that's what we ask now, Lord, that You would be the Comforter and Peace that You've promised You would be faithful to be.

As much as we care for Shane and Micah and their family, we know that You care infinitely more, so we leave them to Your faithful and loving hands.

In Jesus' Holy and Precious name,

Amen.

 

God bless you Brother Shane. I am so sorry and may God bless you during this time.

 

Shane, you continue to be in my prayers!

 

Shane,
I am so sorry.

Karen

 

Shane, I am still praying for you as well. I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Thanks to all for the prayers and kind words. We're taking each day as it comes. Today was much better for me and Ethan, my youngest, he turns 16 tomorrow. On the other hand Erica, my 21 yr old had a much harder day emotionally, but God's grace was again manifested in her life and by the end of the day she seems to be fine. Micah had to go back to college yesterday evening. He called me today and seems to still be riding on a "wave" of God's grace. God is truly blessing us with friends and relatives that continue to pray ernestly for healing in our hearts and now once again I can praise him in this storm! I love you all in Christ! Shane

 

I have not been here at the board for months, Shane. I believe God literally compelled me to come here today so that I could learn of your sorrow. I, too, thank God that Mark could be there to sing the song that God will most likely use to carry you through this storm.

I read your wife's guest book and was very touched at the love of her students and the parents of her students. You know her legacy lives on in the hearts of these people at the school.

Please be assured of one more person that will pray for you. And remember, as another Mark, Mark Schultz, sings, "He Will Carry Me."

 

Thanks Daniel, and thanks once again everyone for remembering my family in prayer. God's grace has been magnificent in the hardest test of faith that I have ever endured. Life is slowly returning back to "normal", there's just a big hole in it that God has filled with his love and the comfort of the Holy Spirit! Glory to God for His unspeakable mercy and grace! Monday I was in despair, four days later God has renewed His song within my heart! Do I still love and miss Tonya? You better believe it! But I know where she is right now! She's with a God who loves me enough to put it on my heart to prepare her a candle light dinner the night before she died. The first time in 22 years I had ever done that. If there are any lost people reading this...understand that when I fixed that first dinner...I didn't know it would be the last! I would venture to say that Tonya was healthier than 95% of the people reading this (including myself) yet God took her home without a warning! He alone holds the keys to life and death! If you don't know Him, please don't put it off another minute! IT MAY BE YOUR LAST!!! Love, Shane

 

Shane, again, we are lifting you up in prayer.

Also, we're excited to be going to the CC concert in Springfield tomorrow night. I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

Joshua I will be there as well. Looking forward to the concert!

 

As always, Mark was at his home church tonite leading our group of teenagers, and a bunch of us that wish we were teenagers, in worship and with the help of his co-youth pastor, Reagan Farris, teaching on abuse and it's effects on it's victims. The youth series they have been teaching on is something that is not usually talked about, but is badly needed among our youth today. The title to the series is "My secret life". It touches on a bunch of subjects that teens, and sometimes us adults, face each and every day in real life. I believe the series will be available, recorded live, and can be used for your own youth groups. I have heard all but two of the messages and they really hit home with some of our youth group. I believe it is badly needed in todays' world! Once again, I want to thank each of you for your prayers and thoughtfulness during the last couple of weeks. God is great, and he provides the grace we need to bear the load! Praise God for all he has done! I appreciate all of you! Enjoy CC tomorrow night!
Love, Shane

 

Wow, Shane, I am amazed at your strength.

 

Tator Tot,
I assure you that it isn't my strength! God has strengthed me. His grace is more than sufficient! Thanks for your concern! Shane

 

CC's concert last night was great. I'm tired as we didn't get home to Branson until 11:30, but the kids had a great time and talked about international missions, worship, and "being real" on Wednesday nights on the entire trip home.

Was amazed by Josh Bates... I really enjoyed his music! And of course, Nicole was outstanding too!

All in all, a great service!

 

Joshua, I agree it was amazing! I loved every part of it!

Shane, when CC played Praise Him in this storm, I said a prayer for ya.