Embrace Life...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 2:26AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card, and this month's gift card is from Barnes & Noble. So stop by, leave a comment, share a story, and bless lots of visitors!
Now on to my topic...
On Monday I lost a very precious friend. Wendy (pictured above) died of a heart attack. She was only in her thirties. Wendy and I met about 7 years ago when I taught aerobics at Life Time Fitness. She went from being an avid participant to becoming an amazing instructor. I absolutely loved this girl.
I eventually retired from teaching to go into ministry full time. I joined the YMCA near my home and was absolutely thrilled to learn that Wendy started teaching there. Wendy was my favorite instructor by a lot. Wendy had an electric personality and lit up a room the moment she stepped foot in it. She was hilariously funny and wonderfully caring.
After cycle class Wendy and I loved to hang out and work on aerobic combinations together. We'd laugh and jump around and then end up leaning on the bikes and talking about family, faith, God, and life. To tell you the truth, I am absolutely devastated by this loss.
The Bible says that it's better to go to a house of mourning than a house where there's a party. Parties inspire us to leave our cares at the door - which we need to do from time to time. But houses of mourning remind us - on a very deep level - what is truly important. All of the peripherals fall by the wayside.
Thank you for letting me share about my friend. But there's a takeaway for you here too, I hope.
We have today and what a gift it is.
Embrace life today. Embrace the fact that you have breath in your lungs and loved ones who are still with you. Kiss them, hug them, and tell them why you think they're great.
Embrace God and His unimaginable love for you. Nothing can separate you from His love. And daily He pours it out, so stop amidst your busy, stress-filled day, and look up. Open your hands. God has something for you to do today and it may very well be off your radar screen. Surrender your task list and ask God for a better one. Be in tune with the Holy Spirit who whispers in your ear. Make your life count.
Give life today. Every chance you get, offer encouragement; offer a word of hope; pray for peace. The Bible calls us to encourage one another - all the more - as we see the days coming to a close. Use every opportunity you have to offer life and a faith-filled perspective to those in need. Speak the truth in love. Forgive the grudge. Reflect back to others all of the great things you see in them. Be joyful in all things.
Receive life today. When others tell you the great things they see in you - receive their words. Embrace the blessings God sends your way whether they be in the form of a compliment, sudden clarity, a held door, or a free cup of coffee. When people compliment you, don't dismiss it. When your child says, 'I love you' slow down long enough to cherish those words, and the child who speaks them. Every day the Heavens pour forth speech and provision. Receive every shred of life God sends your way.
Believe in life today. You are called. You are chosen. You have a divine destiny written over your life. Believe it! Precious soul, you are far more important than you know. Believe that you are alive today for a very distinct purpose. Believe that you have access to the riches of Heaven to accomplish your divine purpose. Believe that what you do in this life directly affects how eternity will be for you. Believe that no one can diminish your value because God has already determined it. Believe that faith, hope, love, courage, compassion, and conviction are essential to the life of the Believer. Believe that today is a gift straight from Heaven, because it is.
Even if you feel sluggish or bored or weighed down by your cares, rise above it! Embrace life today with everything in you. Take in the sights and sounds all around you and be fully present, here, now, in this day. You have today. Don't squander it and don't miss the chance to live fully today. And remember, you are loved deeply.
Be blessed today!
Until next week~
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Reader Comments (12)
Also I have to tell you our Pastor is preaching on that very verse you quoted, that it's better to go to a house of mourning than a house where there's a party. We are talking about the importance of prayer, especially now. I don't think it's a coincidence at all for me to read that.
Psalm 95:6-7Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.
God bless you~ Rebecca
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your friend Wendy. You sometimes wonder, why God takes one so young and with young ones herself. However, I know that God's greater Plan for us all is so much better than our greatest thoughts, and imaginations could ever be, of what is best in our finite minds. I do pray for you in your loss, and that you and Wendy's family will have Peace and Comfort in these days. I do remember that we do need to embrace the love that God has for each of us; and because we are, as you have mentioned in one of your other devotionals recently; we are living in "uncertain" times. This is a time that I keep reminding myself to cherish my loved ones, and especially my son who lives in West Texas across the state from me; as well as my grandson. I cherish them both. Love to you Susie, take care, and "Peace". God Bless,
Linda D
Praying,Lynn
Thanks so much for your sweet sentiments. It was a tough week last week. Oh, my goodness, this was such a loss. The clouds are clearing a little more this week. Thanks so much. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Really meant a lot to me. :)Bless you this day~
That's exactly what I took away from this tragic loss. I'm holding everyone a little closer to my heart; making a point to make time; taking the time to cherish the little moments. All those things make life sweeter and yet they're the first to go when we get busy and moving too fast. Blessings to you!
That's so true. And as you know, even amidst fleeting times, God is our solid foundation. I'm so thankful that He is steady and true and faithful to His promises. May you sense His steadying arm around you today. Blessings to you!
Thanks so much for your kind words of sympathy. God always brings perspective amidst the pain.Bless you~
I have been "away" from my usual blog paths for the past few months. I wanted to check back in with you, and seeing the story of your friend, I just wanted to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. It looks like she left at least a couple of sweet children behind in addition to a dear Susie.
May God bless you all as you mourn and may His work of tenderness and healing feel like a balm.
Nice to hear from you!
Thank you for your condolenses.Wendy's death was a real tragedy.
Susan told me that they're writing an article about you in the Chronicle because of your fund raising efforts for IJM. That's awesome! Way to go!
God bless~