Life is filled with twist and turns, and yesterday was no exception. You never know what will occur as you walk through life. The experiences are always filled with lessons. Yet, they are difficult to learn.

My niece, Kristy, and her husband, Rodney had their first baby last week at 4 pounds. This special gift of God is my sister’s little granddaughter. Before Macy was born, the doctors had a concern about her development, but were very hopeful. Macy was diagnosed yesterday with Down’s Syndrome. They had just brought her home over the weekend. Yesterday was a very difficult day for them. As I talked with Kristy, I reminded her how God has prepared her to care for this gift from heaven that will bless hundreds of lives. We are grateful to God for baby Macy and look forward to seeing her. Please pray for all of them today.

On Monday, I lost one of the greatest prayer warriors in my life and church as Teenie Moore went home to be with Jesus. On Friday morning I went over to be with them, andTeenie had just slipped into a coma. As she laid there, I just sat on the bed and talked to her. Before I prayed for her that final time, I thanked her for calling me every Saturday for years, praying for me daily, for taking care of our family in 1990 when Jeana went through cancer and the ensuing treatments, and I told her to tell my Dad hello and that I love him for me when she sees him in heaven. At 11:45 a.m. on Monday, Teenie went to be with Jesus. We grieve. Heaven celebrates. This week I will conduct her Memorial Service.

One of our great family and churchmen went to be with Jesus on Friday, Tom Buchanan. Tom was married to Neva for 67 years. When I went by to see the family on Friday upon Tom’s death, I was not able to see them due to illness. We have prayed for them and have praised the Lord for Tom’s life. He was quiet, but supportive. He was committed to our Lord. Today, Tom is with the Lord.

Friday was to be my day off, but life has a way of twisting and turning with us in the middle of it. Those two families who have lost these warriors have loved and supported us all these years and have modeled for all of us commitment to Christ, His church, and to the lifelong commitment to marriage.

Who will step up to pray? Who will step up to encourage? Who will step up to always be at church, regardless of personal preference or feelings? When I lose people like Teenie and Tom to heaven, I always wonder, who will take their place? Surely the Lord would not have them leave us until someone is ready to step up to take that place. Well, no one will take their place with their families, or our church, but surely someone can step up their walk with Christ to be all God wants them to be in life.

In life, I just have to trust the Lord. Yes, today is no exception, another day of trust. I have no idea what new twists and turns may happen today, but I have no other choice but to live as I am always …

Trusting God…