Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Another Year is Dawning

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“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

“I with Thee would begin, O my Savior so dear, on the way that I still must pursue; I with Thee would begin every day granted here, as my earnest resolve I renew—To be and remain Thine forever.” (A Swedish prayer)

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“Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
in working or in waiting
another year with Thee;
another year of progress,
another year of praise,
another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies,
of faithfulness and grace;
another year of gladness
in the shining of Thy face;
another year of leaning
upon Thy loving breast;
another year of trusting,
of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service,
of witness for Thy love;
another year of training
for holier work above.
Another year of dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
on earth, or else in heaven,
another year for Thee. Amen.”

(Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836–1879)

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