Meanwhile back in Virginia, I was grappling with a winter “bug,” facing a severe winter storm, finding trees down in my back yard, two falling only inches away from my home, and seeing my generator quickly running out of power, this is February, the love month? Yes, but let us take a moment to look at that love and a different kind of love as well.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans had been expected to spend a record of $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year. Most of this would be spent on candy. Not that sweets or a gift cannot be a show of love, however, please do not limit your show of love to monetary items. They will soon be gone, but the love you show from your heart and your Maker will wing its way inside never to leave and will keep on giving!
That love is found in John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is love from the Love-Maker! The One who desires that above all things you and your family will be saved in the Kingdon. John 3:17 states “ For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved!
A saving love that for me soon would extend far beyond what I could see, hear, or plan.! For once the power was on, I was stronger, and the insurance company had been called, I received my opportunity to give love, dynamic, selfless, and close- up. A love for my dying sister!
God made it possible for her to live until my precious brother and I arrived. Her special children had already gathered. What was ahead was far from easy, even as a seasoned Registered nurse. This was my sister! However, when God says I can do abundantly above all that you may ask or think, he means just that! Eph. 3:20
An extraordinary staff attended my wonderful sister, and God was clearly seen in every decision. From Intensive care to finally Hospice, God’s presence was shining like gold! He gave us more time to love her, sing to her, share scripture with her and care for her.
Those priceless moments being together as a family have made an indelible love picture in my mind and heart. And I will always be grateful to God for them. Ruth was such a family person. I will miss her greatly and have peace knowing that now she is resting from her labors as we see in Revelation 14:13 , “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors.” And soon she will hear that trumpet sound as Jesus comes to get His children! 2 Cor. 15:51. 52 .The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable , and we will be changed”!
Now I am grieving and growing. I know clearly that God is close by and does not forsake me. A good friend, Chaplain Larry Yeagley, has authored a book on grief and near the end he states, “two common denominators should be present in every person’s grief. The first is the opportunity to tell the story over and over. The second is the privilege of having a friend to listen to the story whenever it is told. Thank you for listening, dear reader.
And my prayer for each of you is that as you live and experience grief and the storms of life, that you will remember the Blessed Hope! We love all of you and thank you for your on-going prayerful support of Grace Abounds Ministries. We are faith-based so your consistent donations, no matter how small help keep this, God’s ministry, active and sharing the Good News!
We will be broadcasting on the local radio station soon and listen- up for more excitement! Finally, the powerful and exciting truth still lives in Romans 5:20…”Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound ( become clearer) . But where sin abounds, grace doeth much more abound.” Until next time…
Thank you so much for sharing your grief experience. God has brought me through grief after the loss of my husband. It helps to know we are not alone. Will continue praying for your ministry.