A Time To Mourn

This life thing is really a hard thing to understand sometimes. What's even harder to comprehend is why some leave the earth too soon.

This afternoon, Tim Replogle, lost the battle with cancer, but entered the presence of the Lord. I've struggled with how to feel. I'm so sad. I know that's okay. If Christ could weep, so can we. I hurt so bad for his wife Kathy, and their children Tim Jr. Amber, Jonathon, Katrina, and Mark. Their father was well loved within our church, and has left a lasting legacy in the children he taught through Sunday school, and their parents he touched along the way.

Tim has been a wonderful inspiration. He encouraged me on very difficult days. I watched as he struggled to teach through his treatments, but those children gave him hope. My daughter is richer for having him as a teacher.

Please keep his family, and those who were close to him in your prayers.

We have another family that has also lost a husband, and father that we have been praying for. Roger passed away almost a month ago, but I still can't believe he's not actually walking this earth anymore. He was our dear friend and mentor while we were in New Zealand. His guidance and wisdom was a treasure to us. His wife Margaret taught me how to knit. When I completed my first 2" by 2" square to perfection, Roger tacked it above his computer in his study. He treated it as a piece of art. We had such a hard time saying good-bye to this wonderful couple when we left New Zealand. My only peace was knowing we would be in eternity with each other someday.

I hope these two men get to know one another.

I know the Bible tells us "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1. It's the time to die, and the time to mourn, that is just very painful.

I really struggled when my pastor Greg's mom, Sandy, passed away from cancer. We had the same doctor, we were in the same chemo room, and I watched her vigilantly fight her battle. I struggled with a lot of whys? And honestly, I questioned my own battle. You don't want your loved ones to see you struggle.

I hurt for the Miester's who lost their sister and aunt just recently to cancer too, and I continue to pray for Jean and Janelle who have both lost their fathers.

On days like these I have to wonder what Heaven is really like. Isaiah 25:8 says, "He will swallow up death forever, and the LORD GOD will wipe away tears from all faces;" Those words alone should make us rejoice.

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

This evening I've heard the words to the following song ring in my soul. I hope the words minister to you.


Partial lyrics to Jeremy Camp's - There Will Be A Day

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth
That we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you're walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you've walked out all alone

Troubled soul don't lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that's in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting

There will be a day....