A purpose

Everyone has a purpose in life and whether you believe in God or not, every molecule was somehow formed to a unique you in the womb. Every DNA sequence, every brain cell, every muscle fiber, every bone and tissue was fine tuned and wired to create and shape you. No one is like you. Perhaps this is why medicine is so challenging because treatments, procedures, and diagnostic tests aren't so reliable at times. It's not a cure for everyone. God has a plan...a perfect plan.

His plans don't always make sense. Sometimes, His plans make us angry. His plans can often seem like such terrible timing. How could He allow the most unbearable and evil things happen? It’s impossible to control everything. We may never understand His plans but it's up to us to trust Him and remain strong for the best is yet to happen. 

We often learn lessons in life and one significant lesson for all is to appreciate all living things. Be grateful to wake up another morning, to take another breath of life. Be grateful for each day even when it's dark and stormy. There may not be sunshine everyday but goodness, God has given each of us SO much to be thankful for. The passing of a loved one is emotionally painful. And just as emotionally painful to watch another loved one endure the loss. 

As I reflect on the beautiful life of my father-n-law, there are so many blessings that outweigh the end of life on earth. I call him a cat with 9+ lives. He has fought leukemia for over a decade and while there were numerous close calls or when we thought "this is it", God had a plan we were all unaware of. In the past decade, his family has grown leaps and bounds. He has witnessed his last 2 children, his sons, commit their love to their brides. He’s traveled the world with his Godly wife and celebrated 30 years of marriage. Along the way, he has shared his love for Christ with everyone around him and spent each morning praising God and studying His Word with his wife. He's had the time to share countless stories to his family and sing to them. He loved singing. He was even found praising God in his church choir. God gave His devout Kentucky basketball fan the opportunity to attend and witness the Wildcats bringing home the 2012 NCAA championship trophy. He was shaped and perfected into a Godly role model for not only the people around him but his children and grandchildren. And even though his body would weaken, it was evident that his brain was still sharp and full of wisdom towards the end. In fact, he had the time to plan his entire funeral from the Bible verses to having his favorite Hymns sung and all his grandchildren singing his favorite Christmas song, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. It was the most touching and heart-warming celebratory ceremony. He clearly had on the armor of God all these years and his character demonstrated this strength. My father-n-law was a one of a kind made in God’s image. After holding on to see his youngest 10-day old grandson and his youngest son, my husband, he went Home smiling with joy knowing he fulfilled his purpose. His job was done and he was eager to see Jesus. 

Lottery tickets to the Final Four to watch 2 Kentucky teams...
what are the chances?! 

With his Godly wife and best friend.

A family that knows how to have fun... 

No visit to the south was ended without firing some bullets.

Blessed to have him as a part of our special day. 

We may not know God's plan but He sure has a purpose for every living thing. There is no greater joy than knowing we are loved unconditionally and that this is our temporary home. This is temporary pain. We live to share the joy of God’s love so that we will all meet in heaven one day and live with no more suffering, anxiety, and pain. Meanwhile, be grateful and count your many blessings. Unfortunately, when our loved ones leave us, they are no longer suffering but now we are. So its okay to be envious of those celebrating life and dancing on the streets of Gold singing "oh Victory in Jesus!" 

Quote of the day: “This is the happiest and most excited I’ve ever been in my life. I’m ready to see Jesus. I’m ready to see my family.” ~ William Dill, during his last few days on earth

Bible verses of the day:

“¹Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me (Jesus). ²In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place I am going.

⁶I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

~ John 14: 1-6, chosen by William Dill for his celebratory ceremony