Makn Memories

Celebrate the Memories Made!

Our family motto is “Makin Memories” and over the years we have made a lot of memories.  When we found out about Joel’s (dad’s) sickness we created a blog to keep everyone informed on what was going on.  www.maknmemories.com  This blog has helped hundreds if not thousands stay informed on many adventures good and sad that we have encountered through the last year.  Our wishes is that this website/blog becomes the history of Joel’s life for others to read and enjoy. 

Many people have been impacted directly or indirectly by my father and as a family we want to hear those stories.  Not just for us but for the future generations who will not know him like we all did.  These stories will help the future generations understand who he was and the life he lead.  We are calling this Joel Blackman’s Legacy Box.  Please go to the website click on Joel Blackman’s Legacy Box, and in the comment section please tell us all of the stories that you can remember about him.  A story is never too little they all mean a great deal to certain people.  If you don’t want to do this on the website you can always bring it to Joel’s Celebration of Life Ceremony.  It will be held at:

Evergreen Events

www.anevergreenevent.com

15 W Wea St

Paola, KS 66071

In lieu of flowers we are asking for people to donate to the Joel Blackman Memorial Fund at First Option Bank, Paola which will be used to help put my two young brothers through college, as well as help my father’s biggest passion which was helping build Gods Kingdom.

Again thank you all for your support and God Bless.

Brett Blackman

Evergreen Events www.anevergreenevent.com 15 W Wea St Paola, KS 66071 (785) 869-3997 Get directions

Celebration of Life

We will have a Celebration of Life Memorial Service Sunday September 13, 2009 at 2pm.  Services will be held at Evergreen Events 15 West Wea Paola, KS 66071.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being setup we will post the information later (with the holiday it will be Tuesday or later when we have the exact information).  The fund will be divided between the boys' college expenses and the Lighthouse church building fund.  Both were passions of Joel's. 

The family is grieving as to be expected.  This morning we said were just going moment by moment.  Your posts on our Facebook pages and this blog are very comforting.  We have had a steady stream of visitors of family and friends.  Thank you to everyone who has been bringing goodies and food.  We have been overwhelmed by everything all our family and friends are doing for us!

We are working on a website/blog for people to put stories/memories/ and how Joel has touched your life.  We want people to help us remember Joel's Legacy.  We will post when the website is ready. 

Your sister in Christ,

Kyndra J. Blackman

Mighty To Save

Joel is with Jesus in heaven for eternity.  Joel left us at 2:54 a.m. surrounded by his family and friends, while we sang Mighty To Save Joel's favorite song. 

Life is so precious and fleeting. 

We will continue to post updates and information here on the blog.  In lieu of flowers for those who wish we will be setting up a college fund for Brandon and Kyle.  I will post details later. 

I know you all are praying for us, we can feel it.  We are blessed to be surrounded by family and friends to support us through this.  We know God will get us through this.  He may have to drag us along for a while, but we can do this.  We will continue to "Make Memories" and serve Jesus like Joel would want us to do.  God has brought us this far He won't leave us behind.  If we forget we are counting on all our friends and family to remind us of what God has done for us. 

Please take a moment to let these lyrics into your heart.  Our Savior is Mighty, and Perfect in everything.

Mighty To Save

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior;
The Hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Savior, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

 

Lord, Thank you for sacrificing yourself to conquer the grave.  Because of you we will spend an eternity with Christ and be reunited with Joel in heaven someday. 

Your sister in Christ,

Kyndra J. Blackman and family

Prayerfully waiting

I just want to share with everyone.  We are beside Joel’s bedside, waiting for Joel to pass on to heaven to spend an eternity with Jesus.    We don’t know exactly how long it may take.  But it will be soon.  Please pray for a swift painless, passing.  Pray for Kim, Brett, Brandon, Kyle, and Joel's parents John and Shirley. 

Through this process we have had family and friends visiting and supporting us through this time.  Thank you.  The prayers, hugs and tears are very comforting.  God will sustain us. 

A friend shared this thought with me the other day I want to share it with you.  The day Joel was born God knew that this day would happen.  Even though our life may feel like it is spinning out of control.  God is in control of every part.  This song has been on my mind lately. 

                        Hope Now by Addison Road2

 If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours.

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I've been carried by you all my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

You've become my heart’s desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Prayerfully yours,

Kyndra J. Blackman and family