Several times in the last few weeks I have been asked, 'how is your dog'? As many of you know, Chara was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in the fall of 2017. She was just three at the time so the thought of having to let her go without trying to treat the cancer just didn't sit well with me. The treatment's have worked to extend her days, well beyond the initial prognosis. We know at some point the cancer will get the upper hand, but right now we're just enjoying having her around. Chara, whose name means 'joy' is living up to her name--she's bringing much joy into our lives as she reminds me each day that life is a gift.
Life is a gift! This is one of those messages you have heard from me before; it is one I repeat often because I believe it to core of my being. Through all the ups and downs of our lives; each step along the way, from the mountain top through the valley, in good health and favorable circumstances or when our health is failing and storm rages all around, our journey through this life is a gift from the hand of a good and gracious God.
The Psalmist speaks of the abundant goodness of God (145:7) and the familiar words of Psalm 23:6 speak to us of the goodness and love of God; given in this life and carried forward for all eternity.: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Life comes from God. Genesis 2:7 reminds us: the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. David, in reflecting on his life writes in Psalm 139:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Life is a gift from God, and a such it is precious. We must not take this gift for granted but rather embrace it in all it's fullness. God has given us so much, the invitation to walk with Him through all our days, the gift of family and friends, the beauty of the created world around us and the opportunity to engage in purposeful activities; to do good and bless others as we live out our days here on earth. He has given us a church family with whom we can share this season of our lives; the opportunity to walk together, to bless and encourage one another.
So my friends at Valley, embrace the gift you've been given and share it together!
Blessed to be a blessing!
Life is a gift! This is one of those messages you have heard from me before; it is one I repeat often because I believe it to core of my being. Through all the ups and downs of our lives; each step along the way, from the mountain top through the valley, in good health and favorable circumstances or when our health is failing and storm rages all around, our journey through this life is a gift from the hand of a good and gracious God.
The Psalmist speaks of the abundant goodness of God (145:7) and the familiar words of Psalm 23:6 speak to us of the goodness and love of God; given in this life and carried forward for all eternity.: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Life comes from God. Genesis 2:7 reminds us: the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. David, in reflecting on his life writes in Psalm 139:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)
Life is a gift from God, and a such it is precious. We must not take this gift for granted but rather embrace it in all it's fullness. God has given us so much, the invitation to walk with Him through all our days, the gift of family and friends, the beauty of the created world around us and the opportunity to engage in purposeful activities; to do good and bless others as we live out our days here on earth. He has given us a church family with whom we can share this season of our lives; the opportunity to walk together, to bless and encourage one another.
So my friends at Valley, embrace the gift you've been given and share it together!
Blessed to be a blessing!
RSS Feed