Hope you are enjoying this wonderful start to summer! Summer is a special time for various celebrations, graduations, weddings, family reunions, fellowship outings, you name it! What a great way to come together and share God's blessings.

Recently Carol and I attended a couple of memorial services to celebrate the lives of some very special people. Isn't it true that often at memorial services you learn so much about loved ones, things you didn't even know? Upon reflection, we are grateful for God's goodness and faithfulness in the lives of His saints and how they serve as models for us to persevere and keep the faith.

My dear Aunt Renee passed away this past May 28th at the age of 90. In the words of her sons, my cousins, Aunt Renee was a model of "love, kindness, and compassion," and lived out her faith with a deep love for God and for others.

She and my Uncle Paul had served together with Young Life for many years. She always found a way to bless others with food and fellowship, “displaying a gift of making even the stranger immediately feel right at home." Though busy helping to raise a family of six sons, she gave them her full attention. She was their "chief encourager, being relentlessly positive," and remains a godly influence on her 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Her strong desire to be with God took away any fear she had regarding the steady impact of stomach cancer. Because she radiated such joy and love, those visiting her went away even more blessed than they came.
Her life verse testified that Jesus’ love was her source of joy and praise:

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

So grateful for your life, Aunt Renee. Thank you for encouraging each of us to “look to the Rock higher than I….”

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8)