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God orchestrates when we least expect.

One of the musicians for tomorrow’s memorial service (Tuesday at 2:00 at the Alliance church) was about to text me, I phoned him.  At exactly the same time!

We had been deciding on a final piece.  “You are my everything” by Steve Bell was a possibility.

Randy was going to text that he and Connie (his wife) would sing this song.  At exactly the same time, my sister-in-law was reading from Jill’s journal the following:

February 12, 2012   . . . I was getting tired again. Just sat and watched TV all the rest of the day. Trying to breath deeper.

Each day at a time, Lord.

Give me daily strength

In the morning, Lord, we do come to you

For the strength we need just to make it through

Have Mercy,

In the evening Lord we look back and say

It was in your strength that we made our way

Have Mercy,

You are our everything we need

Help us, Lord

You are our everything we need

Help us, Lord

– Steve Bell

Jill was quoting the song that Randy and Connie will sing tomorrow. 

God is in control!!

Found in the margin of Jill’s Bible – Philippians 1:23-26

“Is this why I live?”

I desire to depart  and be with Christ, which is better by far;  but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Rogue waves come at us, just when we wish we could live forever – or at least outlive our grandchildren.

Jill passed away on May 17th, 2012 in Saskatoon.  Her memorial service – Tuesday, May 22nd at 2:00 at the Kindersley Alliance Church.

Here are the final words in Jill’s journal, written two days before her death.

Trying not to worry about tomorrow’s test.  Tonite was feeling calmer about it.  I know God is in control.

How true!! 

Jill Cooper was born on July 1st, 1953 to Allan and Betty Cooper.  The second of five children, her heart began in less than pristine condition – in that day and age she was called a blue baby.

Over the decades, Jill had a number  of corrective heart surgeries.  All this lent towards a lady of compassion and grace, as she ministered to others who experienced life’s quirks – bringing to them hope and heaven!

Jill’s open heart surgery at 12 years of age led to total heart block at 17 years of age.  This condition required the implant of a pacemaker – something that powered her life until her death.

Not to be stopped by adversity, Jill completed her Grade 13 in Ontario in 1972 and headed to the bald prairies, landing in Regina at Canadian Bible College for studies.  In 1973 she met a fellow student, Ron Baker.  She graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music in 1976.  The same year she married Ron and moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan to begin Christian ministry with her new husband.

In 1984 their son Tim was born and adopted into their family.  Two years later, in 1986, their daughter Allison was born and also adopted into the family.

Jill served as co-minister with Ron in two pastorates in Saskatchewan – Prince Albert (1994-2005) and Kindersley (1976-80; 2005-2012).  She also provided support for Ron in his educational endevours at the University of Alberta (1984-1986) and at Canadian Theological Seminary (1980-1983) – where he later served as Registrar (1986-1994).

Jill was known, among other things, for her excited and quick talking, her musical accomplishment and her love of nutritional cooking!  More than once it was remarked that even at 1/2 speed she was twice as fast as those around her.

Jill’s love for Jesus and her obvious love for others were foundational to her daily walk in this world.  She was particularly thrilled with the opportunity to enjoy her two grandchildren, Christopher and Hannah.

Jill was predeceased by her father, Allan and is survived by her mother, Betty, sisters Brenda and Laura and brothers Marc and Phil, her husband Ron, children Tim and Allison (married to Scott Opseth), and grandchildren Christopher and Hannah.

Love you, Jill!!