The Faith of a Child

"Mom, did Grammy love me best?"

I love the questions that come out of the mouth of my 4-year old, boy.

He never ceases to surprise me.

"Mom, why did Jesus heal Grammy in heaven and not down low?"

My response, "Do you mean, why didn't Jesus heal Grammy on earth?"

"Yup." (Spoken with a tone of, "of course, don't you get it?!!")

"We don't know why, buddy. Sometimes He heals on earth and sometimes He heals in heaven....but we really don't have to know why....Jesus just wants us to trust Him, no matter what."

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"OK," spoken with a tone of acceptance and faith that this little 4-year old will trust Him...no matter what.

"I wish heaven was on our roof, so we could see Grammy every day." (Big smile on this little boy's face...a little boy, full of faith.)


"At that time Jesus said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'" Matthew 11:25

Rock & Roll 2011!

Hi Everyone--

As we continue to remember my amazing mother, grieve the loss of her presence with us in this life, yet also rejoice; knowing she IS healed and HOME with Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), our God and Savior (knowing that through faith in Him, we will be reunited with her one day! Ephesians 2:4); I have been training for a 1/2 marathon in her honor! I will be running with "TeamHope" in the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon & 1/2 on June 25th. Would you consider donating a few dollars in my mom's honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network? More information is available on the web sight.
Type in: iamteamhope.org
Click on: donate to participant
Write in participant's name: Joanna Shook
Read about why I am running in this race and what the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does to research the disease, fight the disease, and support those living with the disease.

We are wholeheartedly thankful for your support, prayers, cards, e-mails, meals and many donations made in honor of Judy! We are also grateful to all who were able to pray and/or attend my Mom's funeral service, which turned out to truly be a celebration of her life and a testimony to her unwavering FAITH and HOPE in Jesus Christ. One of the last things I said to my mom was, "I love you Mom & I'll see you there...." (Check out Revelation 21:3-4/Philippians 4:20!) Sometimes I can hardly wait, but in the meantime, I am encouraged live for Christ now, desire to share the good news of His love & grace poured out for us through his death on the cross & the hope of life everlasting because of His resurrection, and ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy of faith in Him for my kids; following in my mom's footsteps!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." ---John 5:24


Questions ? You can e-mail me at rangerwife4@gmail.com -or- 360-293-3861 I will also be posting more pictures/memories of my mom on our blog. littletribeofbenjamin@blogspot.com

All our Hope is in Him,

Joanna