Floyd Finished His Race

This week was Floyd and my anniversary.  I wondered if it would be a sad day, but it wasn't.  It was a tender, sweet day.  The sun was shining - always something I'm grateful for! - and it was warmer than usual, especially for June.  I watched a sailboat on the bay.  My son brought me a special lunch, and we went for a little drive.  I had a 2 hour chat with my daughter.  A dear friend brought me a "double wick" candle.  I loved the symbolism of that.  It was a gentle day.

All through the day, I gave Jesus messages for Floyd.  I'm grateful for our 54 years together.  God has been good to us - we've had a rich, fulfilling life.  There have been some "bumps" in the road, but the journey has been blessed.  

The hospital informed me that they are keeping Floyd's room empty for a time in his honor, and to allow the staff time to mourn.  I was very touched by that gesture.  They loved Floyd so much.  I could not have managed without them.

I'm also very touched by all the comments, messages, emails, etc.  One of my favorite things to teach on through the years has been the topic of "encouragement."  Words matter!  The words of love are bringing precious comfort and encouragement to my heart.  So many have shared of Floyd's impact on their life when he spoke somewhere in the world.  I had the thought that it was worth every "sacrifice" of our family releasing Floyd to travel and speak.  It was hard sometimes, but there is now beautiful, eternal fruit from that in many lives.  What a blessing!  

YWAM in Holland did a zoom tribute last Sunday.  All Nations International is doing a zoom tribute/prayer time on June 24th.  Other events are in the planning.  I'm blessed that Floyd is being loved and honored.

We are in the time of year when our days are very short.  I often get up in the dark, and sit at the dining room table having breakfast.  One morning this week as I was sitting there, suddenly brilliant sunshine flooded into the room as the sun rose over the mountains to the east.  The light and warmth washed over me.  It was so beautiful.  I sensed the Lord saying to me that "sunshine" is coming for my heart, my soul, and my emotions too.  I received the promise of that!

"To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.....to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."  Isaiah 61:2,3

God is giving beauty for ashes in my heart - beautiful, rich oil of joy instead of mourning.  He is faithful!

Floyd was a worshipper.  He loved to worship.  That is one of my sweet memories of him.  Someone sent me a precious photo of him with his hands raised in worship.  I've used it at the top of this post.  When he had his arms raised, his "wing span" was huge!  :)  I love keeping this image in my mind and thinking of him worshipping Jesus in person now!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7,8

Floyd has now finished his race.  I’m so grateful to all who have honored him.  And for all the love and encouragement to me and our family!