Thank you to all of our precious family and friends who came to the funeral yesterday to honor Gene. It was a beautiful day of tears and laughter. A special thanks to our minister Betsy Straeter, and the fabulous speakers: Roy, Milt, and Gillian. You all added a special touch to the service.
Although I am sad for our family and the loss that we will continue to feel in the days and months to come, I am happy for Gene that he was able to travel and do the things he wanted to do so that when his time came there were no regrets. I guess that is the lesson for all of us. We need to make good use of our time while here on earth. Part of making good use of your time is looking ahead to where you want to be in your life when your time comes to an end here on earth. I think the most important element of looking ahead is getting your spiritual walk worked out. It is the one thing you really don't want to be caught off guard on.
A year ago it was discovered that I had cancer. I was in a lot of pain and truly thought I was going to die soon. I was especially sad to think of my girls and husband and the times I would miss with them. But it took only a day before my God spoke to me, and I recognized His voice. It was a voice I had heard often throughout my life, and that voice was full of promise and hope. If I had not known that voice before I entered that dark and scary time in my life, it would have been hard to distinguish His voice from the voice of all lies. Satan was trying to talk to me too, but I knew the voice of my Shepard and chose to trust in him. My Shepard has led me to safety, and He has given me protection and a future.
If you don't know the voice of almighty God, then consider today what steps you can make to secure that relationship. It is really very simple. Prayer. A conversation with God that does not need to be formal or have fancy words. Then listen for His voice. He speaks in many ways. The best way is through His word, the Bible. We know in our hearts that Gene knew God's voice. How beautiful it must have been to follow that voice into the realms of glory!
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Blessings to you all,
Sandy
Thank you for all of your donations to the Pomona Valley Audubon Society in Eugene's name. Donations can still be sent c/o Jon Boulware 323 S. Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, Ca 91711
