"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Philippians 4:13

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Comments on Posts from Friends, Family and Those Touched By Jeff's Story

We heard this story from our realitor and it was so inspiring i had to look it up. i just moved to michigan from Kentucky and i have shred this with my family back down there as well, so his testimony is touching lives even outside of Michigan. This really puts things in perspective and makes me long for a more thankful heart. Thanks for sharing. :) on One Journey Completed, Another Begun...
Loren Trute
on 9/20/13

jessy
on 9/12/13

Wow this truly amazing. He is definately an inspiration to me, his spirit will forever be with us. Love u jeff. on One Journey Completed, Another Begun...
ashley nagelkirk
on 9/10/13

What a testimony! I don't know this young man, but his story brought tears to my eyes! Praising God for Jeff's life and for the Lords eternal love and faithfulness to all who declare they believe in Him. Prayers of comfort being said for his family and friends. on One Journey Completed, Another Begun...
Shari Wiersma
on 9/10/13

I have no words! Tears of thankfulness for this life of testimony!! You don't know me, but in reading your last post the only thing I can say is "I want to live like that!!!" Thank you Jeff for showing true love and faithfulness to your Father! Now you are enjoying what we all long for!! on One Journey Completed, Another Begun...
on 9/10/13

You once told me: "your awesome and you inspire me to become stronger in god so much! seriously thanks, your a blessing" I'm really glad I got to be a part of your life for a little while. I will always love you Jeffrey Jay Rands. Can't wait to meet you in heaven. on One Foot In, One Foot Out...
Anonymous
on 9/8/13

Jeff has been an inspiration that God has a plan for everyone and to trust in him that this plan is what's best for us- even if it takes us away from our loved ones. He has fought an amazing battle, and has been SO strong. Your family has been more than an inspiration to believe in God, and that prayer can heal. You are all so strong and I pray that your family holds onto God's word for comfort. on One Foot In, One Foot Out...
Anonymous
on 9/7/13

I've been paying constantly for Jeff and his family and friends. That was a beautiful poem so appropriate and loving. on One Foot In, One Foot Out...
debra goode
on 9/7/13

INTO HEAVEN'S BRIGHT LIGHT He lies quiet, restless now and then, has one foot here and one foot within. That bright light calls to him, “son, come on through”, but one side is touched by the loved ones he knew. He fights for his life so Honest and Pure, but he has fought a good fight and we know there’s no cure. Loved ones have told him it’s okay to let go, though their hearts say, he can’t, I love him so. Morning's bright light he will see no longer, but heaven's bright light he will hold onto. The light grows brighter every moment that goes by, and now he sees angels in his glazed over eyes. When he makes that first step into heaven so bright, he will feel no more pain as he walks into the light. He feels the Angels as they take his sweet hands, a feeling of peace that he so demands. Free from all worry, free from all pain, free from all the things that earth could give him. From Heaven's Gates he now looks down to see us from above, while wearing his crown. We miss him a lot, on Our Hero
on 9/6/13

We are praying for Jeff, your family and all his fellow Marines! on Our Hero
Anonymous
on 9/5/13

A little over a year ago, I met with Jeff to paint a lasting impression of him, but instead, it was I who was left with a lasting image of him. Jeff, in a few short moments, was able to paint a beautiful picture upon my heart, one that will last much longer than any painting I could have ever produced! My prayers go out to Jeff, a fellow veteran and forever brother, as well as to you, his family and friends.-- Bernie Duff on Our Hero
Doc Bernie Duff
on 9/5/13

Praying for strength and comfort and Jeff's comfort and peace-can't imagine what you as a family are going through and have gone through but I CAN imagine the Lord's Grace and Comfort and His Loving Arms around you all. You have fought a good fight and what a blessing to come...Heaven!!! Love you-Larry and Carla on Our Hero
on 9/5/13

Praying for immediate peace and comfort in the name of Jesus. And for the family as his precious life here on earth comes to an end. I am so sad for those he is leaving behind, but so happy for him that the suffering will come to an end and he will be FREE from it all and full of life, love, peace, joy for all eternity. God bless you all! Love, your extended family in Christ on Our Hero
Jim and Dawn Williams
on 9/5/13

I shall never forget. You will always be remembered everytime I extend my hands to care for others. Jeff you are my brother forever. Thank you for the chance to know you and provide care you deserved. It ain't goodbye. on Holiday Hospital Stay
on 9/4/13

Such an amazing young man...what an amazing family. Prayers, hugs and love to you all. on Holiday Hospital Stay
Lisa and Matt Weasel
on 9/3/13

Praying for you Jeff! ~Justin Isacson on Holiday Hospital Stay
Anonymous
on 9/3/13

Thank you for keeping us updated. We are no longer there, but love Jeff and the whole family very, very much. Prayers for peace are going up for you all. Nina Gant (and Tanya( on Holiday Hospital Stay
Anonymous
on 9/3/13

AMEN! CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HIM AND FAMILY ~Dawn Williams on Holiday Hospital Stay
Anonymous
on 9/3/13

Love you, Kassie & family! You all are on our thoughts & prayers as Jeff battles this cancer. You all are SO strong, Keep fighting the good fight! You can do this! *LOVE & HUGS* on Ups and Downs
on 10/20/12

I love to see the family support you all give to one another as I read your posts. You all have such great faith - you surely are moving mountains they way you are "prayin and sayin" what you believe in. You are an inspiration to others who are calling on Jesus in their own battles ~ Thank you. I will once again pray for Jeffs healing during this small setback and watch God do his work. AMEN! Sincerely, Rhonda Slagter on A Minor Setback...
on 8/25/11

So glad to hear things are on your side! Thinking of you guys... on Homecoming
Lynne
on 3/28/11

They say he can fly!! Just waiting for the Marines to get back to them and set up flights!! on Homecoming
on 3/27/11

Are you able to fly back with Jeff, did the doctors clear that yet? Or is it going to be a road trip :) Can't wait to see all of you, especially Jeff! Hurry home!! on Homecoming
Jenna
on 3/26/11

This is amazing! Can't wait for you to be home Jeff! on Another Day Another Answered Prayer
Jessica
on 3/24/11

I love you little brother!  on A Message From Jeff
Kassie
on 3/23/11

Praise God! Jeff you are such an inspiration! Keep the faith - God is good ALL the time. We continue to pray for you and your GREAT family. Thanks for the blog - I think about you all the time. on Praise God
Melanie Bredeweg
on 3/22/11

Stay strong jeffery, im keeping you in my thoughts and prayers everyday. on Covered By The Blanket Of God
Anonymous
on 3/22/11

Thanks for making this blog so we can stay updated!Praying and constantly thinking of you all the time!Can't wait until you are all home! Love you all, Jess. on Covered By The Blanket Of God
Jessica
on 3/22/11

Stay strong! Praying for Jeff and your family! -Kylea on Covered By The Blanket Of God
on 3/22/11

Thanks for posting this so we can stay updated. Jeff is a little miracle! He is going to be home and cracking joke after joke in no time! Can't wait to get the proof from the doctors that he is healed! Love you all, prayers continuing hour after hour! on Covered By The Blanket Of God
Jenna
on 3/22/11

This is so awesome! God is so good! constantly praying for him! I'm glad you made the blog so we can stay updated. on Covered By The Blanket Of God
on 3/22/11

Love you guys! Aunt, Lynne on Covered By The Blanket Of God
on 3/22/11

God is Good all the time.........Still Praying on Covered By The Blanket Of God
Laurie Schuitema
on 3/22/11

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Five Years In Heaven




It’s has been five years since our beloved Jeff entered Heaven’s gates when brain cancer ended his life with us on Earth.

Five years since we have seen his contagious smile...
Five years since we felt his warm hugs...
Five years since we have gotten to laugh at his continuous sense of humor...
Five years since we experienced the pure selflessness he exhibited comforting his family and friends while he was suffering...
Five years since we heard him say “I love you” to which was already replied with “I love you more”...
Five years ago he became our angel.

In those five years...
Three more nephews were born.
His parents bought a new house.
His grandmother joined him in Heaven after her own battle with cancer.
Too many visits to a headstone, ONE is too many.
Several holidays, weddings, reunions and family vacations taken, with a missing piece.
And so much more, yet it still feels like yesterday that God called you home.
Life has happened but memories are forever cherished.

We can ALL learn a valuable lesson from Jeff.  Even through the MOST difficult time in his life, his faith never waivered.  He became more gracious and thankful than ever and his joy was contagious.  


We wish you were here, until we meet again.  Love you more Jeff ❤

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.