When Lynn and I were reading this Psalm tonight at bedtime, Lynn reminded me that she had claimed this verse when we had made our move from Mississippi (where we lived for 25 years) to the Atlanta area. I know this move was hard for her for a number of reasons. We had wonderful friends that we were leaving behind and a wonderful church family. You know, we still have those wonderful friends and that church family, and we have made wonderful friends here and have a wonderful church family here now, too.
Loss
Various events at church today helped me solidify the main topic for this newsletter. Everyone has suffered loss at some time in their lives. I remember when my father died about 16 years ago. Other than my wife, he was my best friend, and we had spent some great times together on visits even though we lived over 1,000 miles apart. He had battled cancer for seven years, and even though I knew his time was getting short, it was still a shock to me when he passed away. Lynn knew I was hurting and she told me that while I lost my earthly father, I still had my heavenly father. You know, it might sound strange, but that did comfort me. I still had my heavenly Father!
The holiday season is hard for lots of people because it marks another anniversary of the passing of a loved one. We had our whole family around us this Christmas, and now that the season is over, we feel a loss since they are no longer with us. Members of our church family have just lost their father or grandfather. Physical loss is hard. Thank you, Brian for finding the scripture I was looking for regarding the Lord's taking away Ezekiel's wife. "Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a strike; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead...So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And on the next morning I did as I was commanded."
I remember how I reacted when I learned of Lynn's condition after the accident. And for years, at certain times, I would weep, tears would run down, and I would sigh out loud and even in front of people. And to be honest, when I speak about this in public, even now I sometimes weep especially when talking about how God's people have been so good to us. Lynn told me tonight that when she would have bad days, a couple of times, she recalls that she felt the Lord's presence in the room with her, that the Lord's comfort was that strong. The Lord gives His people strength and grace to handle the trials of life. When we pray that He will give us peace that passes all understanding, this is what we mean. As Matthew Henry says, the Lord has given us our creature comforts and He maintains ownership in them and can take them away when He pleases. "We may the more easily bear an affliction if it find us in the way of our duty; for nothing can hurt us, nothing come amiss to us, while we keep ourselves in the love of God."
Hope
As we sang in our service last Sunday, Another Year Is Dawning
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.
The pictures below show the children playing games with Grammy, reading with her, etc.
Father, we thank you for your grace that sustains us in difficult times and trials. Bless Michael and Jan and their families in the loss of their father. Would you provide them with comfort during this difficult time. Would you also comfort all those who grieve for their lost loved ones at this time. Would your grace prove sufficient for them. Father, thank you for the ways you have blessed and encouraged Lynn and me over the years. Thank you for those you have sent to minister to us. Would you bless our family, friends and church families who have been so gracious and encouraging to us. Father, help us to live a life that honors you and reflects your great love to us. Forgive us of our many sins, we pray, in Jesus' holy name, Amen.
Love,
Doug and Lynn and Family
Loss
Various events at church today helped me solidify the main topic for this newsletter. Everyone has suffered loss at some time in their lives. I remember when my father died about 16 years ago. Other than my wife, he was my best friend, and we had spent some great times together on visits even though we lived over 1,000 miles apart. He had battled cancer for seven years, and even though I knew his time was getting short, it was still a shock to me when he passed away. Lynn knew I was hurting and she told me that while I lost my earthly father, I still had my heavenly father. You know, it might sound strange, but that did comfort me. I still had my heavenly Father!
The holiday season is hard for lots of people because it marks another anniversary of the passing of a loved one. We had our whole family around us this Christmas, and now that the season is over, we feel a loss since they are no longer with us. Members of our church family have just lost their father or grandfather. Physical loss is hard. Thank you, Brian for finding the scripture I was looking for regarding the Lord's taking away Ezekiel's wife. "Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a strike; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead...So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And on the next morning I did as I was commanded."
I remember how I reacted when I learned of Lynn's condition after the accident. And for years, at certain times, I would weep, tears would run down, and I would sigh out loud and even in front of people. And to be honest, when I speak about this in public, even now I sometimes weep especially when talking about how God's people have been so good to us. Lynn told me tonight that when she would have bad days, a couple of times, she recalls that she felt the Lord's presence in the room with her, that the Lord's comfort was that strong. The Lord gives His people strength and grace to handle the trials of life. When we pray that He will give us peace that passes all understanding, this is what we mean. As Matthew Henry says, the Lord has given us our creature comforts and He maintains ownership in them and can take them away when He pleases. "We may the more easily bear an affliction if it find us in the way of our duty; for nothing can hurt us, nothing come amiss to us, while we keep ourselves in the love of God."
Hope
As we sang in our service last Sunday, Another Year Is Dawning
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.
The pictures below show the children playing games with Grammy, reading with her, etc.
Father, we thank you for your grace that sustains us in difficult times and trials. Bless Michael and Jan and their families in the loss of their father. Would you provide them with comfort during this difficult time. Would you also comfort all those who grieve for their lost loved ones at this time. Would your grace prove sufficient for them. Father, thank you for the ways you have blessed and encouraged Lynn and me over the years. Thank you for those you have sent to minister to us. Would you bless our family, friends and church families who have been so gracious and encouraging to us. Father, help us to live a life that honors you and reflects your great love to us. Forgive us of our many sins, we pray, in Jesus' holy name, Amen.
Love,
Doug and Lynn and Family
(click the pictures to enlarge them)
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