ALL our times are in HIS hands

This photograph was shot one year ago at our Son Mile's wedding on Sunday July 23, 2006

Today is Thursday July 26, 2007 and 32 years ago on a Saturday afternoon my husband Ron and I took vows before God and a small gathering of family and friends and promised to love one another until parted by death. I am so thankful that with God's help we have been able to honor and fulfill that committment.

Life is not always easy nor predictable but whatever the situation it is worth it. Our marriage has been worth all the pitfalls, struggles and trials we have had to endure. I am so thankful to have married a man that agreed with me, that no matter what, divorce is not an option. The Lord knows there were times when we both considered running away, but we haven't yet and I can honestly say we still love and care for one another. Thank you LORD for helping us to honor our vows to you and to one another. Help us to love one another till you take us home.

I just wanted to publicly say Happy Anniversary Ron! I love you and I thank GOD for you everyday. I pray that the LORD adds many more years to us to live and love one another as well as all he brings to our door. Go on with GOD and walk in His ways, remember my darling that all our times are truly in His hands.

I thank God upon every remembrance of you......

Today has been a sad, but joyful, full of amazing goodness, blessed day. Like a huge family reunion, I saw so many I had not seen in years as well as the faithful flock I see on a regular basis. I am sorrowful, for we met together to remember and celebrate the life of my dear friend Joyce Lynn Kenney. Sorrowful for I will not see her again on this earth, but I do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Indeed my hope is certain and secure and reserved for me in heaven, according to the riches of His grace. HE is Jesus the Christ, the one true and ever-living Son of God the Father. Many people gathered together today to celebrate and collectively remember the dynamic life of an ordinary woman whom had an extraordinary effect on so many people. No doubt the ripple effect will last for ages and go on and out to many more yet to come. So is the enduring nature of a life lived well. A life lived for others and ultimately in such a way to bring honor, glory, praise and thanksgiving to GOD most High, the Only wise God.

As was frequently re-iterated today, Joyce will be sorely missed and loved on into eternity where one day we will join her with all the saints of God in Christ. Thank you Joyce, for being my friend, for caring about me and my family, for including me in yours. We have had so many precious times together, lots of fun and laughter, plus the joy of knowing and serving Christ together... Thanks for believing in me and making me feel special. Thanks for your kindness and loyalty.

Soon and very soon we will see you again... life is a blip... but Heaven is forever and forever new....
I thank God upon every remembrance of you. Thank you for being my friend. Rest in Jesus!

Psalms 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

I last wrote here on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.... I was waiting for the passing of my dear friend. I am so thankful that His time, as His ways are so much higher than ours. The Bible says that all our times are in His hands. "My thoughts are higher than your thoghts, says the Lord. My ways higher than yours. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my thoghts higher than yours, says the LORD." I take comfort in His word. For the heavens and earth will pass away one day, but HIS WORD will endure forever. We can trust in His word, even above and beyond our own fickle and changable understanding. "Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE will direct your steps."
I thank God that in the midst of sorrow and grief, His word is a standard I can look to, a Rock I can stand upon. "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous (those made right according to faith in Christ, by His amazing grace) run into it, and are safe." I waited upon the Lord, for in HIM is my expectation indeed.
Joyce passed from planet earth this morning, to her forever home in heaven with GOD the Father, Son and Holy Spririt. She has slipped the surely bonds of earth, reached out and touched the face of God. These are words from a poem about flying, that I heard and loved as a child. Though Joyce was not a pilot, I believe she is experiencing now the glory and freedom that is spoken of in
High Flight
"Oh! I Have slipped the surley bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never Lark, or even Eagle flew -
And while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."

I will miss you my dear and beloved sister and friend, but I know that I will see you again soon. Until then rejoice and dance!
Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."