Saying Goodbye

Today a dear, old friend of my family's is being laid to rest after loosing her battle with cancer last Thursday. Because of location and family obligations we are unable to attend the services, but her family is very much in my prayers today.

Tana was a wonderful, godly woman who loved the Lord first and her family a very close second. She kept a blog during her 11 month struggle to fight this horrible disease and to see the faith and strength that can only come from God Himself was amazing. She was human and she struggled with doubt, depression, fear and anxiety just as I think most of us would. But the overriding message of her posts was that she knew the Lord was in control and she only wanted to see Him glorified through her ordeal. While God chose not to heal her on this side of heaven, I believe that through her testimony and the legacy that she leaves behind God will indeed be glorified. If you would like to read her blog for yourself, here is the link: http://jtrcheckel.blogspot.com/

Men and women, hug your spouse and your kids everyday. This just reminds us that none of us know how many days we will be granted on this earth. Any moment can be our last. So let those you love know it while you still have the chance. Don't assume they know it or wait for another day because it may not come. Live everyday like it could be your last. Don't have regrets.

As you read this, you might offer up a prayer for Tana's family. Her husband, John and sons Cody and Ryan and her parents will need all the prayers they can get as they try to get through the days, weeks, and months to come.

Tana, my sister, I am glad to say that I knew you. I cannot wait to be reunited someday in God's heavenly kingdom. Our lives are a little darker without you in it, but Heaven shines much brighter today. Rest in peace.

Looking to the Future

Well, another election has come and gone. While I do not agree with the outcome and did not vote for the president-elect, I have to say that I am glad that the election is over. All of the ads, campaigning, he said-he said, get a little tiresome after awhile. I have to admit that the human side of me is a little afraid of what the next few years hold. But, I also know that there is a God who is not surprised by any of the recent events. He has known all along how this election would turn out. I believe that God is still in control and is still on His throne. I don't know what He is doing in all of this but I do know that He always has a purpose in allowing things to happen. I believe that He will use this to bring glory to Himself. I also know that we are commanded in scripture to pray for those in authority over us. Therefore, I will choose the higher road and will try to see how God is working in all of this. I will commit to pray for our new president and those he surrounds himself with as well as all of those who serve in Congress. I am shaken but my faith holds firm. My God is bigger than any election ever could be and I hold strongly to that and to His promises.