Just a glimpse of me...

My photo
Do you ever feel STUCK? In 2000, I began looking for answers to some tough questions in my life. I'd searched high & low and finally conceded to search the promises found in the Bible. Those promises have sustained & guided me through the loss of a parent, the struggle with anxiety & depression, the loss of a valued relationship and so much more! I've found joy amid the pain. And, I want to share it with you!

07 December 2015

From Death Into Life

Today I, along with many in my corner of the world, will celebrate yet another wonderful, loving woman who has stepped from death into life. As I was talking last night with the LOML (aka my hubby) about her, I told him:
"The wonderful things that I could stand up & proclaim about Karen as we celebrate her life are the very same words I would have stood up & proclaimed years ago & throughout the years that I knew her. She was a remarkable woman."
Some time ago while listening to an audio interview with Anne Lamott & her close personal friend, Father Tom Weston, I was introduced to a new song when Father Tom shared this quote:
"Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears from death into life." ~ Marty Haugen
Hearing those words lit a fire in my heart & I had to find the song he was referencing. And... I had to pair it up with a picture of the shepherd I gazed upon as a young child - the nightlight with a Warner Sallman image of a young shepherd. I used it as a little girl, as did my daughter and as my granddaughter has...


While reflecting upon the passing of my friend, Karen, these past few days, I was reminded of the powerful meaning behind the words.
"Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears from death into life."
With loving, gentle care, my Savior shepherded another beloved child of His from death into LIFE. Today I celebrate her and I celebrate that all good things do NOT come to an end!


Lyrics to the song & a YouTube link:
Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing I shall want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.

3. Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.

4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my pow'r to hold.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.


7 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks so much Susie. It was a tough day but, yet a joyful day.

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Indiana,

    I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Karen. She sounds like she was dear to your heart and special in your life. What were some things you appreciate about her?

    In respectful honoring silence for you and her,
    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer, thank you for your support. I was just thinking, as I drove to her memorial yesterday, of her many qualities & characteristics that I admired. Most of all, it would be unconditional love to others. She went out of her way to share love with people. She let you know how she believed but, never discounted anyone for their different opinions and beliefs. She was a great mentor - one who could feel like your mom at one moment & your best girlfriend at another.

      Delete
  4. I am truly sorry for your loss. It is hard to see positive in it sometimes. Good thing God is in our lives to help us through it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Ludavia & for your thoughts and prayers. We are missing her greatly but so thankful that God is everpresent!

      Delete