Reading this morning about what will happen in the future gives me hope and comfort: Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true (emphasis, mine). The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon (Revelation 22:6 NLT).
At last, our climb leader shouted in the thin air, absorbing his voice so it sounded like a whisper declared, "Congratulations! You've made it to the top!"
December Bride: A woman who marries when she is significantly older than most brides. I was a December bride, just as the definition above describes.
The ship is fully decorated for Christmas. As we walk the many areas of the ship, we see people laughing and eating. They seem to be enjoying the Christmas season. Yet sometimes, just under the surface is grief. Sadness.
Maybe this year, you feel alone in this world, alienated from a friend or family member. Or are you waiting for an answer--a job--a spouse? Focus here: "You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope"(Psalm 119:114).
When I was a nineteen year old bride, walking down the aisle after we were pronounced husband and wife, I felt happy--yes--but there was a glimmer of sadness, too. For months we'd been planning every part of this wedding and now it was over. Of course the joy of being a wife and being married returned, but I'll not forget that feeling that came wispy-like fog that covers a bright sunny morning into gloom.
What about you? Are you in pain, or so sick you almost wished you would die to be relieved of the pain and discomfort? Are you watching someone who is ill or in a severe depression? This may be a gift from God...
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and is an American tradition.
When helping someone who is grieving, just come alongside them. Don't try to give words of wisdom. The griever just needs someone to be with them.
The gospels tell about angels appearing to ordinary people, like Mary and Joseph. The apostle Peter. And Jesus in the desert.
