A Family

Sunday showed me something again about our church family. We really are just that. A family. When one of our members is hurting, the whole family hurts, when one is sad, the whole family mourns also. When one needs to be lifted, the family joins hands together to lift that one up. Saturday evening another member of our beloved family went to be with her Heavenly Father. Again, too soon if you would ask those left behind. But that isn't up to us, or them, its up to Him. My sympathies to the friends and families of Karla. And while we hurt, mourn, and wonder why, God never failed to make Himself known. Passages, sermons, and worship songs were selected long before we would know what was about to happen the night before the family gathering at Immanuel. But God knew. And human minds could not have prepared a more fitting service with hope, encouragement and love, so perfectly displayed. God planned both services, there is no doubt. My many thanks to those who heard His call when they planned. For obeying and listening to His heed, and for allowing the Almighty to work through them. 1 Timothy 1: (the Message) 15-19Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes!I'm passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we're in.