Well, here we are...only days away from the end of 2014 and the beginning of a new year. This has been a tough year for me and for NPUMC. We need a NEW year! While God gives all of us all we need to handle anything the world sends our way, it still can be tough and weigh heavy on our spirit. The accident by Les Brown and his hospitalization. Don Ellis's back and leg pain. Doris Vandine and her spinal pain. Jack Zerkel's ongoing pain issues....it just goes on and on. Recent losses of Dale and Ann Kitley were hard to accept even though they are now together and were 92 and 95 respectively. I will miss my visits with them. They loved the Lord and showed it in their daily lives.
After the wonderful and exciting trip to Africa to honor Glen Beck and opening the "Glen Beck House" there, Kay Gumberts returned home only to succomb to a brain tumor. Doug Hare, after battling multiple myoloma for over 20 years, passed into his reward. Grant Hampton, knowing the end was near, called in friends he held dear, and all of his family. Then he went to sleep only to awaken with his beloved Nancy as he transitioned into heaven.
Now, I know that we all will die. I know that death is inevitable. Sometimes I wonder what glory we will see in the "afterlife." I've read the Bible and I know all of the Revelation descriptions. I feel like I'm ready when HE calls me home. It just seems like there are so many things we'd like to be here for. Don't we all have these feelings of woe at times? I'm sure we do!
However, now let's look UP! The Lord has promised that He will never, ever leave us. He is here with us in all circumstances. We need to accept "life" and its ups and downs. We need to smile in the knowledge that God hears our prayers, He smiles with us, He weeps with us. We need to make the best of what ever life has for us. When we remember the promises Christ left with us, LIFE is a breeze. Death is an honor. Heaven awaits! I am looking forward to that glory! So until He calls each one of us, let us all decide to live life to the fullest. Let's decide to live according to HIS purpose. Let's make every day one that will honor Christ.
May God bless you in the new year and may you accept His grace and promises...always!
