Death.

Grief.  I don't know how it ever becomes easy.  Death stinks.  Grieving from afar is even worse.  It just doesn't seem real.  However, because of both a dear pastor dying and my Aunt Linda dying within hours of each other, death is super close.

“The death of a beloved is an amputation.” 
― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

It takes me about two minutes on reading the "left behind" people to send me into a torrent of tears.  Recently I spent time reading about a dear friend who's spouse died of cancer.  His words are so real and pain so evident.  Walking through those milestone dates (birthdays that never increase, anniversary's alone).

Another family is also grieving their last days with their baby Gabe.  He has aggressive brain tumor and given only a few weeks to live.  I love what she says about this process, " It is difficult to grieve WITH people, but it is impossible to grieve alone."

So, grab a tissue, a come beside someone who is hurting and grieve together.  I am just so thankful that this is NOT the end.  We do have a living hope.  Death is conquered through Jesus.  He rose again proving that this is not the end.  It stinks for the ones who are still awaiting our time (those left behind).  But, I am thankful that I will be with my loving Savior for all eternity.  

Stinking Rich in November

I really can't believe my morning.  Arising before the sun (not too hard this time of year), James and I got to pray together.  A quick peak on Facebook, which I usually wait until after my Bible reading, revealed what was painting the skies-NORTHERN LIGHTS.  Thankful, I put a rug outside and we sat near each other and watched the dancing.  It wasn't as colorful, but active.  James saw a shooting star.

Talking with James about Max's 13th birthday, I just love this month.  He gets to celebrate right before Thanksgiving.

Reading about God's miracle of rising Lazarus from the dead (to show His glory), I am reminded of His empathy with hurting people before he chose to resurrect him, as he was moved with tears.  *I have a Aunt Linda who is soon to be with the Lord, a dear pastor friend Mr. Jim Eller who is near as well to his finishing on earth.

Then a quick No More Trouble Zone workout made my lungs happy not to be running in the cold as I am still fighting a cold.

A quick request from my daughter for a library book, I discovered...MY LIBRARIES MERGED!  YES, all of the books from Anchorage to Juneau to Willow to Sutton can all be hand delivered to PALMER PUBLIC LIBRARY.  I love going to Mat-Su college weekly to pick up my Anchorage books, but now, that I can swing by and pick up my books 2 miles away! Sweet!!!  That means that 800,000 books available for the Mat-Su borough just increased to 1.8 million~  Did I tell you I am rich.  Yes in spiritual things yesterday, now in books too!

*It also means, that the great Anchorage system of renewing books will be available online all the time.  Quick email notices when things are going to be due.  I love the Anchorage online system.  Now, it is here in Palmer, AK.

Wow! I better start school.