Thankful for the hope we have in the savior.  
Sustaining thought for me this winter.
 
Family, taken trip down to Florida, on Sept 27, daughter adopted daughter, got to know her during that time. Little did we know, on Dec. 27th, she would be found in her bed, not breathing. Making that previous week so special.
 
At the same time, we were dealing with death of Eva, learned of dear friend from Hutchinson had re-diagnosis of cancer, given 6 months to live.
 
In the midst of these things happening, difficult time for me. Found hpe in Christ, the savior.
 
Asked to do Eva's committal service--never done it before, was difficult. This is what the Lord gave me.
 
John 11:20 - Martha and Mary lost Lazarus, probably the breadwinner. Jesus waited to go see him, he loved this family.
 
Lazarus had already died when He came. Two points:
 
1. Eva will live, though she has died
    
    1. She is alive with the Savior, though not here with us
    2. Comforting that Eva was safe with the Savior
    3. Committal service first week of Jan.
    4. When home, took meals to Kathy in Hutchinson
    5. She lasted 45 days, Kathy was about our age, hit home, had never happened to me to lose someone like that
    6. Were at committal service for Kathy, way of giving hope
    7. Luke 23:39 - thief on the cross, mocking Christ, in the midst, insulted, criticized, bitter against Jesus
    8. Through all of this - v41, Christ was gracious to the thief that believed on Christ, just like Martha believed in Christ and Jesus asked her
    9. Knew that Kathy was with Christ in paradise
2. Do you believe this?
    
    1. We all must face our own mortality
    2. This hope lives in me, knowing Christ as my personal savior
    3. You can have this hope and trust as well