Yesterday's celebration of Matt's life was a wonderful time of fellowship for all. Many tears were shed, much laughter was heard, and LOTS of hugs and stories were passed around!
I think Matt would have been surprised at the number of people who came to honor him. As Mark said, Matt was a simple man -- he may not have truly understood how much his friendship, his shy smile, and his sincere care and concern for others really impacted those he came into contact with.
Perhaps an easy way for us to honor Matt in the coming days is to pay it forward, in a sense. If we make the effort to look for the times when we can help others...hold open a door, help change a tire, give a friend a ride, make someone laugh...we are living what Matt proved each day: Showing others God's love in practical ways and having fun don't have to be mutually exclusive, but rather can actually be one-in-the-same.
Even in this season of grief and missing Matt, we have so much to be thankful for. I, for one, am thankful to have known Matt the gentleman, Matt the caregiver, and Matt the Redneck!
Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll --
~ r
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
In today's paper...
Matt's obituary listing is in today's AJC and also at AJC.com.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=
matthew-krause&pid=136331328
It's still so unreal...it seems impossible to really understand and accept that such a young, fun, vibrant life is gone from us.
The Krause family is bearing up with such courage and conviction -- what a testimony to the strength of their family and the love they have for each other.
Praying God's peace and mercy for us all in the coming days,
~ r
Got a favorite Matt story? Feel free to post it here...he always loved a good laugh!
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=
matthew-krause&pid=136331328
It's still so unreal...it seems impossible to really understand and accept that such a young, fun, vibrant life is gone from us.
The Krause family is bearing up with such courage and conviction -- what a testimony to the strength of their family and the love they have for each other.
Praying God's peace and mercy for us all in the coming days,
~ r
Got a favorite Matt story? Feel free to post it here...he always loved a good laugh!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Matt's final gift to others...
As further testimony of his compassion and love for others, a while back Matt had agreed to be an organ donor. Matt could have never known his life would be tragically cut short; however, his noble act will save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people!
Just thought you'd like to know...
~ r
Just thought you'd like to know...
~ r
Please join us as we celebrate Matt's life
The Krause family sends their heart-felt appreciation to everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers for Matt and the family. They ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers as they begin the heavy task of moving forward without Matt.
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Matt Krause
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 3:00 PM
Macland Baptist Church
3732 Macland Rd.
Powder Springs, GA 30127-1337
The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation
50 Hunt Plaza, Suite 803
Atlanta, GA 30303
Memorial donations may also be made online at: Gradyhealthsystem.org
(follow the links: "Give to Grady", then "Grady Foundation")
Please mark gifts "In Memory Of Matthew Krause for Trauma Care"
~ r
*If you would like to bring food for the post-service gathering or to share with the family, someone will be in the Fellowship Hall at the church beginning at 2:00 PM to receive it. Thanks --
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Matt Krause
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 3:00 PM
Macland Baptist Church
3732 Macland Rd.
Powder Springs, GA 30127-1337
The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Henry W. Grady Health System Foundation
50 Hunt Plaza, Suite 803
Atlanta, GA 30303
Memorial donations may also be made online at: Gradyhealthsystem.org
(follow the links: "Give to Grady", then "Grady Foundation")
Please mark gifts "In Memory Of Matthew Krause for Trauma Care"
~ r
*If you would like to bring food for the post-service gathering or to share with the family, someone will be in the Fellowship Hall at the church beginning at 2:00 PM to receive it. Thanks --
Friday, November 20, 2009
Update - Friday, 11/20/09
In meeting with doctors earlier today, the Krause family was told that Matt’s injuries were more severe than originally thought. He was paralyzed from the neck down, and would require the use of a ventilator for the rest of his life. A short time later, Matt’s physical condition began to decline rapidly and the doctor’s were unable to resuscitate him.
Matt Krause went home to be with the Father at 3:48 pm this afternoon.
The family has asked that we allow them some time to be together without interruption so that they can begin to come to terms with the loss of their beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin.
Plans for a memorial service are underway and will be posted as soon as they are finalized.
Pray for the Krause family – pray for each other. Hug your family a little closer, a little tighter, and praise God for the precious gift we were all given to have known, loved, and been loved by Matt Krause.
~ r
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” (1 Thess 4:13)
Matt believed that Jesus died and rose again for him. He loved the Lord, and we WILL see Matt again. He has a new body in Heaven and has seen the face of Jesus. If you have questions about the truth of God’s love and the saving power of Jesus Christ, please ask...you can reach me at tracchristian@bellsouth.net or 770-630-7418.
Matt Krause went home to be with the Father at 3:48 pm this afternoon.
The family has asked that we allow them some time to be together without interruption so that they can begin to come to terms with the loss of their beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin.
Plans for a memorial service are underway and will be posted as soon as they are finalized.
Pray for the Krause family – pray for each other. Hug your family a little closer, a little tighter, and praise God for the precious gift we were all given to have known, loved, and been loved by Matt Krause.
~ r
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” (1 Thess 4:13)
Matt believed that Jesus died and rose again for him. He loved the Lord, and we WILL see Matt again. He has a new body in Heaven and has seen the face of Jesus. If you have questions about the truth of God’s love and the saving power of Jesus Christ, please ask...you can reach me at tracchristian@bellsouth.net or 770-630-7418.
Friday, 11/20/09
Thank you, Lord!
Matt is resting quietly! He seemed to settle in a bit yesterday and last night, and his condition appears to be stable right now!
This morning, Mark referred to Matt’s current condition as “slow-cooking and simmering” when what we really want is a “microwave healing”. As friends and family, we know God is in charge of Matt’s life, it’s just hard to let things roll in God’s time rather than ours.
The meeting between the medical team and the Krause family did not happen yesterday because of scheduling difficulties. Although they will all gather together at some point, it is uncertain when it will happen.
Continue to pray for Matt’s healing. Lift up the Krause family, including their extended family members. The doctors and the nurses -- every person who comes into contact with Matt and his family -- are instruments of God. For now, our prayers are the best way we can stand in the gap for those who are weary and weakened by fear, grief, and regret.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Standing in the gap with you,
~ r
Matt is resting quietly! He seemed to settle in a bit yesterday and last night, and his condition appears to be stable right now!
This morning, Mark referred to Matt’s current condition as “slow-cooking and simmering” when what we really want is a “microwave healing”. As friends and family, we know God is in charge of Matt’s life, it’s just hard to let things roll in God’s time rather than ours.
The meeting between the medical team and the Krause family did not happen yesterday because of scheduling difficulties. Although they will all gather together at some point, it is uncertain when it will happen.
Continue to pray for Matt’s healing. Lift up the Krause family, including their extended family members. The doctors and the nurses -- every person who comes into contact with Matt and his family -- are instruments of God. For now, our prayers are the best way we can stand in the gap for those who are weary and weakened by fear, grief, and regret.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Standing in the gap with you,
~ r
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, 11/19/09
Friends,
Sadly, I must report that Matt’s condition continued to weaken throughout yesterday and overnight. The medical team is fighting valiantly to care for Matt in the best and most aggressive ways possible. The family will meet with the medial staff today, possibly during the early afternoon hours, to consider important care and treatment options.
The Krause family asks that today we specifically pray for unity, comfort, and that all parties, medical and family, will have the clarity of mind and soundness of hearts needed today.
Beloved, be vigilant today! Each time Matt or a member of the family comes to mind, take a moment to whisper their names to the Father…
~ r
Sadly, I must report that Matt’s condition continued to weaken throughout yesterday and overnight. The medical team is fighting valiantly to care for Matt in the best and most aggressive ways possible. The family will meet with the medial staff today, possibly during the early afternoon hours, to consider important care and treatment options.
The Krause family asks that today we specifically pray for unity, comfort, and that all parties, medical and family, will have the clarity of mind and soundness of hearts needed today.
Beloved, be vigilant today! Each time Matt or a member of the family comes to mind, take a moment to whisper their names to the Father…
~ r
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