Then came the morning!

Living in Florida I am blessed to see a lot of beautiful sunrises and sunsets! It amazes me each time I see one and it reminds me just how amazing our God is in His handiwork!

Time progresses one day at a time and each morning the sun rises and each evening the sun sets and another day is completed. Time marches on and the weeks pass and then months and before you know it a year has gone by. That reality seems to set in as you get a little older or when certain milestones take place. Today was one of those days. A year ago a dear family lost their husband/son/brother to cancer-heaven's gain and Cliff has now been rejoicing with our Savior for a complete year. I have not yet walked that path and although I can feel sorrow for them I cannot begin to fully understand the loss yet. It reminded me of the world we live in-there is so much sadness....death...sickness...collapses of marriages. The effects of sin are all around us. The Hope that I hold on to and am thankful for is that God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. I see how the world handles their disappointments-they turn to alcohol or drugs or earthly pleasures but they will only last a short time and they do not fill the void that only Christ can fill. It doesn't mean that we don't have sadness or feel pain but it easier to bear with Christ. There is a lot scripture that can be an encouragement to us: Psalm 23 talks about how even though we travel through the valley of the shadow of death we don't have to fear any evil because He is with us. Paul talks in I Corinthians about God who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  I don't understand why certain things happen but I rest in the fact that God is in total control and is concerned for me. I am also thankful that I can be sure that this life is not the end for me and doesn't have to be for you either if you believe that you are a sinner and accept him as your Savior. He will give you eternal life with Him in heaven where there will be no more sickness, sadness, death or tears. For now I will continue on and remember that...Even in the valley, God is good, Even in the valley, He is faithful and true, He carries his children through, like He said He would, even in the valley...God is good!